PRINCETON, N. J.
le^Jen/m /y /%t j^^u,^ uur
BX 8958 .R44 H5 1889
History of the Presbytery of
Shelf..... Redstone
Rev. Ashbel O. Fairchild, D. D.
Bee Appendix.
HISTORY
OF THE
Presbytery of Redstone
ORGANIZED BY
I'he gynod of ]\[eW yorl^ and Philadelphia, gspt. IQ,
IJSl, and ifnder its care till VJBS ;
A PART OF
THE SYNOD OF VIRGINIA, 1788-1802 ;
OF
The Synod of Pittsburg, 1802— 1881 ;
AND NOW OF
THE SYNOD OF PENNSYLVANIA, 1881—1889.
1889.
Washington, Pa.:
Observer Book and Job Print,
1889.
PREFACE.
In obedience to a resolution of the General Assembly of
1886, that "Presbyteries be requested to send two copies of their
histories to the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and to the
Presbyterian Historical Society, respectively," the Presbytery of
Redstone appointed the undersigned a committee to prepare a
history and transmit the same to the parties named. In the per-
formance of this duty the committee prepared and forwarded the
history of the Presbytery to the Stated Clerk of the Genera!
Assembly, and also to the Historian of the Synod of V^irginia.
In preparing the history they did not hesitate to draw largely
from all reliable sources within their reach. It was read before
the Presbytery in the fall of 1887 and approved, and the Presby-
tery directed that the history and the accompanying histories of
the several churches secured by the committee, be published in
permanent form if satisfactory arrangements could be made.
These arrangements having been completed, the committee
have issued this volume. A history of woman's work in the
Presbytery, a list of candidates, licentiates and ministers, and the
dates of their connection with the Presbytery as far as could be
ascertained, and a few personal sketches in connection with the
phototypes, are added.
The committee cannot forbear expressing regret that this
little book gives such an inadequate view of the pioneer work of
this earliest of the Presbyteries west of the Alleghenies. They
IV PRESBVTERY OF REDSTONE. •
became more and more impressed with its defects as the prepara-
tion of it was drawing to a close. But the imperative demands
of other duties forbade the research necessary to gather addi-
tional materials and properly sift and arrange them, or even to
re-arrange what were already in their possession. They send it
out hoping that in some small measure it may preserve facts and
give a better understanding of the faithful, self-sacrificing and
consecrated labors of the Fathers, and strengthen the faith and
increase the consecration of those who are building on these
foundations laid so deep and broad by the laborers who rest from
their labors and "their works do follow them."
JOHN M. BARNETT,
JOHN C. MELOY,
EBENEZER FINLEY,
Committee.
HISTORY
OF THE
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
ORIGIN OF NAME.
Redstone Presbytery is said to have taken its name from the
rocks in the banks of Redstone Creek, one mile below Browns-
ville, Pa. It is supposed that a vein of coal in that locality was
set on fire at an early day, either by the Indians or by friction
caused by a land slide. In course of time the fire died out leav-
ing the banks reddened by its heat. They present a very pecul-
iar appearance and are quite an object of interest to any one
fond of natural curiosities.
BOUNDARIES AND EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The Presbytery originally was practically bounded on the
east by the Allegheny mountains, on the north by Lake Erie, on
the south by Virginia and on the west by the setting sun. It
embraced what was called the "Great West," the vastly larger
part of which was at that time a "terra incognita."
The Synod in passing the order for the new organization as-
signed no geographical limits, and named no churches save only
Laurel Hill and tlie four Ministers west of the Allegheny Moun-
tains, one of whom was in Westmoreland county and the other
three in Washington county, which was organized as a count)'
shortly after the act was passed.
Previous to its organization the first parts of the country
settled, were portions of what is now embraced in the counties of
Washington, Fayette, Westmoreland and Allegheny, together
with the regions along the Monongahela and Ohio rivers and
2 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
their branches and later along the Allegheny to the shores of
Lake Erie and westward to the Muskingum, Sciota and Cuyaho-
ga rivers. The first settlers were of Scotch-Irish descent, who
had come from the east taking up lands, clearing out farms and
building log houses until such times as they were able to pro-
cure more comfortable homes. They were a sturdy people, with
the same kind of blood in their veins which had flowed at the
Battle of the Boyne in the days of William the Third. They
brought with them the Assembly's Catechism, the Confession of
Faith and their Bibles; and withal a good degree of religious
faith, intelligence and fervor. There w^as a population here very
early in the last century. In the year 1738 "John Caldwell in
behalf of himself and many families of our persuasion who were
about to settle in the back parts of Virginia, induced the Synod
of Philadelphia to appeal to Governor Brooch, of Virginia, for
countenance and protection in their proposed settlement." "The
request was granted and they went to settle on the western side
of our great mountain." Smollet, in his history of England,
says that in 1760 there were 4,000 settlers in this region.
EARLY MISSION.\RY EFFORTS.
Rev. Chas. Beatty, the grandfather of the late Rev. C. C.
Beatty, D. D., is said to have preached the first protestant ser-
mon in this part of the country. It was a Thanksgiving sermon
and was preached on the 25th of November, 1758, at Fort Du-
quesne, which had just been evacuated by the French. Two
years later the Rev. Messrs. Alexander and Hector Allison were
sent by the direction of the Synod of Philadelphia to go with the
Pennsylvania forces to explore the country and see what might
be done in the way of missionary efforts. In the 3'ear 1766,
Revs. Chas. Beatty and George Dufifield were sent by the Synod
on a similar errand "to explore the frontier .settlements and to a.s-
certain the condition of the Indians." They preached a number
of times going as far west as the Muskingum river. Soon after
this the Rev. Mr. Anderson was .sent by the Synod to visit this
region with a promise of "20 shillings" for every Sabbath he
.should preach on the other side of the Kittochtinny mountains.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 3
In the year 1769, the Presbytery of Donegal, by the direction of
Synod, supplied the western frontier with ten Sabbaths' preach-
ing— but just where their labors were performed we do not know.
It is probable that the)' preached in the bounds of some of the
old Centennial Churclies which are still vigorous congregations
within the bounds of Redstone Presbytery.
EARLY MINISTERS.
In the year 1771, the Rev. James Finley came to this wes-
tern frontier and did some excellent missionary work. He was a
native of Ireland, forty years of age, a fat, florid, nervous little
man, very hardy and ready for any labor, having already an ex-
perience of nineteen years in the ministry. He had been in the
country in 1765, again in '67, doing some secular work in the
Dunlap's Creek region — but he returned again by direction of
Synod and supplied in Ligonier or that region for two months in
'71 and '72. He also labored for some time in that part of the
country called "The Forks of Yough," organizing, it is said, on
the same day, in the year 1778, the Churches of Rehoboth and
Round Hill. He brought his family west in 1783, and two years
later became pastor of the two churches just mentioned, continu-
ing in that relation till the time of his death, Januar}^ 6, 1795.
Rev. James Power, D. D., was the first minister who came
to stay and grow up with the country. He was a tall, graceful,
genteel young man, clear, methodical and evangelical as a
preacher, in the 29th year of his age, a native of Pennsylvania
and a graduate of Princeton. He came in 1774, as a licentiate,
was ordained by the Presbytery of New Castle, "sine titulo," in
1776, and sent back "to the western parts of this Province." He
proved to be a most effective missionary, organizing in 1774,
while he was yet a licentiate, so it is claimed, the Dunlap's Creek
Presbyterian church — the oldest organization west of the inonri-
tains. The authority for this is a statement said to have been
made by Mr. Power himself While we are not disposed to dis-
pute the correctness of the claim, we are inclined to think there
must have been some ordained minister present to set apart the
Elders to their work in the church. Dr. Power also organized
4 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
the Sewickley Church in 1776, and soon after, it is beheved, he
organized the Mt. Pleasant Church at its present location, two
miles north of the present town of Mount Pleasant. He was
pastor of the two churches named until 1787, when he Avas re-
leased from Sewickley, serving the other church until the year
1 817, when on account of infirmity he gave up his charge. He
died in 1830.
Rev. John McMillan, D. D., was the second man to stay
upon the ground. He was born at Fagg's Manor in 1752, grad-
uated at Princeton in 1772, and was licensed by the Presbytery
of New Castle in 1774, at the age of twenty -two. He first visit-
ed this region in 1775, staying but a short time. It is said that
during this visit he organized the churches of Pigeon Creek and
Chartiers, the latter now in the Presbytery of Pittsburg and the
former in the Presbytery of Washington. After going back East
he married. He returned to this region in '76 and in '78 brought
his family, crossing the mountains on pack-horses. He was pas-
tor of the two churches he organized till his death, November
16, 1833. He was a tall, rough-looking man, with a voice re-
sembling thunder. Dr. D. X. Junkin said of him, "Dr. McMil-
lan's voice, even when your present speaker sat under him in
1829-31, was strong, clear and powerful in the tones of denunci-
ation, but often meltingly tender. He almost made you hear the
vibration of Sinai's thunder, and yet when setting forth the love
of Jesus, his voice would mellow to the tenderest tones. At the
Communion season he was peculiarly effective. Then his heart
and eyes and voice were like one fresh from Gethsemane and
Golgotha." We presume that his subsequent life and labors will
be treated of at length in the history of Pittsburgh Presbytery,
within who.se bounds Dr. McMillan did his greatest work, and
which includes Chartiers Church, where his remains lie buried.
Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, a descendant of a New England
family, a man in the prime of life, after two years pastoral labor
at Patterson's Creek. Va., (1777-1779) came to this region in
September of the latter year and began his labors in the Upper
and Lower Ten Mile Churches, where he continued up to the
time of his death in 1793. He was a gentle, earnest man, a fine
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5
scholar, especially noted as a mathematician and very attractive
as a preacher. He was born near Newark, N. J., March 7th,
1740. He graduated at Princeton in 1773, was licensed to preach
by the Presbytery of New York in 1775, and in October, 1777,
was ordained by the .same Presbytery "sine titulo." Washington
Presbytery will doubtless give the details of his work.
Rev. Joseph Smith, was born in Nottingham, Md., in 1736,
was licensed to picach by the Presbytery of New Castle, August
5th, 1767, after graduating at Princeton, 1764. He was ordained
by the same Presbytery, April 19th, 1769 and installed pastor of
Lower Brandy wine Church, Del. He remained here until 1772.
In 1774 he accepted a call to the Second church in Wilmington,
where he labored till 1778, when he resigned on account of the
distracted state of the country. In 1779, the 44th year of his
age and the nth of his ministry, he came to this "Western Wil-
derness," and in 1780 became pastor of Buffalo and Cross Creek,
both now in the bounds of Washington Presbytery. A revival
began in his church very soon after his arrival which never ceas-
ed till the day of his death. As a preacher he was very impres-
sive both in the terrific and the pathetic. He dealt largely in the
terrors of the law, so much so that some of the irreverent called
him "Hell Fire Smith." Rev. Samuel Porter says of him, "I
never heard a man who could so completely as Mr. Smith, un-
bar the gates of Hell and make me look down into the dark, bot-
tomless abyss, or like him could so throw open the gates of
Heaven and let me glance at the insufferable brightness of the
great white throne." Mr. Smith died April 19, 1792.
OKGANIZ.ITION OF REDSTONE PRESBYTERY.
The Act for the organization of the Presbytery of Redstone
was adopted by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia in
session at Philadelphia, Pa., May 16, 178 1. It directed that the
Presbytery should meet at Laurel Hill Church (now in Fayette
county. Pa.,) on the third Wednesday of September at 1 1 o'clock
A. M., (September 19th).
The meeting was held at the appointed time, but at Pigeon
Creek instead of Laurel Hill, because the incursions of the sav-
6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
ages into Washington county rendered it very undesirable for the
ministers there to leave their homes. The record is as follows :
U. P. P. S., the Revs. Messrs. John McMillan, James Power and
Thaddeus Dodd. Elders, John Neil, Demas Lindley and Patrick
Scott. Absent, the Rev. Joseph Smith.
The second meeting failed for want of a quorum. The
third meeting ar Sewickley also failed "by reason of the incur-
sions of the savages" into Washington county. The next and
subsequent meetings were held without interruption.
The Presbytery continued with great zeal for a period of 12
years to push forward her work within the immense boundaries
described before — or up to the formation of the Presbytery of
Ohio in 1793. In the meantime, however, May 28th, 1788, the
Synod of New York and Philadelphia, having completed the re-
vision of the public standards of the church and having adopted
them, arranged for the organization of a General Assembly. To
accomplish this, the old Synod was divided into four Synods,
viz. : New York and New Jersey, Philadelphia, Virginia and the
Carolinas. Redstone was set off in order to form the Synod of
Virginia. This change of relation, however, did not make any
change on the boundary lines of the Presbytery up to the time
noted above — 1793. During these years the Presbytery received
a number of ministers and organized various churches. Rev.
James Dunlap was received from the Presbytery of New Castle.
He served in 1782 the church of Dunlap's Creek and subse-
quently he became the pastor of Laurel Hill Church, continuing
in that relation until 1803, when he was made President of Jeffer-
son College.
In 1783 Rev. John Clark was received into the Presbytery
and shortly afterwards was installed as pastor of Lebanon and
Bethel, continuing in that relation till his death in 1797.
Mr. Alexander Addison, a licentiate from Scotland, applied
in 1785 to be taken under the care of the Presbytery. His ex-
aminations were not entirely satisfactory and he was not received,
though leave was given him to preach to the church of Wash-
ington until the next meetinsr and at that meeting until the meet-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. J
iniT of Synod, after which his name is not mentioned. He studi-
ed law and became an eminent jurist and judge.
Then we find on the records the name of Rev. James
Hughes, who was one of the four young men hcensed in 1788.
He became pastor of the churches of Short Creek, now^ West
Liberty, West Va., and Lower Buffalo. Afterwards he removed
to the Presbytery of Miami and became the President in 1818, of
what is now Miami University.
We find on the roll the name of Rev. Samuel Porter, who
was licensed by the Presbytery November 12th, 1789, and be-
came pastor of the churches of Congruity and Poke Run in
1790; of the latter he was pastor until 1798, and of the former
congregation he continued as pastor up to the time of his death,
September 22d, 1825. He was 66 years old.
Rev. Joseph Patterson, a man famous in his day, belonged
at this time to the Presbytery. Indeed he was licensed by the
Presbytery in 1788. He was pastor of the church of Raccoon
for 27 years, dying February 4th, 1832, aged 80 years.
Rev. George Hill, born in York county, March 13th, 1764,
was licensed in 1791. He became pastor of Fairfield, Donegal
and Wheatfield. He was afterwards released from Wheatfield
and took instead Ligonier, a new congregation organized be-
tween Fairfield and Donegal. He finally devoted his whole time
to Fairfield, where he remained till his death in 1822.
Rev. Jacob Jennings, grandfather of the late Rev. S. C. Jen-
nings, D. D., was received from the Dutch Reformed Church
and made pastor of Dunlap's Creek Church. Rev. David Smith,
father of the author of "Old Redstone," was licensed in Novem-
ber, 1792, and became pastor first of George's Creek and Tent
Churches, and afterwards of Rehoboth and Round Hill Churches.
He died August 14th, 1803. A writer says, "The Presbytery of
Redstone was composed of able, devoted and self-denying men.
They were men for the times. Although commencing in the
wilderness, they were not forgetful of the prospective wants of
the country. They laid the foundations deep and broad. The
influence they exerted in the planting of the church is felt at the
8 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
present day, not only in the region where they labored but in the
regions beyond."
PRESDYTERY OF OHIO.
In the year 1793 the Presbytery of Ohio was organized by
the Synod of Virginia, cutting off all that territory lying west
of the Monongahela river, including what is now Washington
Presbytery and that part of Pittsburgh Presbytery west of the
Monongahela river and south of the Ohio. The ministers in the
new Presbytery were John McMillan, Joseph Patterson, James
Hughes, John Clark and John Brice, together with all the
churches west of the Monongahela river. The boundaries now
were the Monongahela river on the west, Lake Erie on the
north, the Allegheny mountains on the east and a part of Vir-
ginia on the south. Plow far the Presbytery extended into Vir-
ginia is not definitely known — probably as far as Presbyterians
could be found. Within this newly adjusted boundar)^ the Pres-
bytery continued to work till the year 1801, when the Synod of
Virginia erected the Presbytery of Erie. This organization was
granted on the unanimous request of the members present from
the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, at the meeting of the
Synod of Virginia, in session at Winchester, Va., October 2d,
1 801, and included Rev. Messrs. Thos. E. Hughes, Wm. Wick,
Samuel Tait, Joseph Stockton and Robert Lee, together with all
the congregations north and northwest of the Ohio and Alle-
gheny rivers "unto the place where the Ohio river crosses the
western boundary of Pennsylvania." (Act of Synod in History
of Presbytery of Erie, by Dr. Eaton).
SYNOD OF PITTSBURGH.
In the year 1802, by the act of the General Assembly, the
Presbytery of Redstone was set off from the Synod of Virginia,
and with her two daughters was organized into the Synod of
Pittsburgh. Thus Redstone assisted in the organization of two
Synods and the General Assembly and is now in the third Synod.
It would make our history too long and tedious to speak of all
the ministers whose names have appeared on her roll.
In 1788, when the Synod of Virginia was formed, there
were on the roll eight ordained ministers, viz.: James Finley,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 9
John Clark, Joseph Smith, John McMillan, James Dunlap, James
Power, Thaddeus Dodd and Samuel Barr.
We have not the means of knowing accurately the names of
all the churches, as there are no statistical reports, and in the
minutes, congregations and preaching stations are not distin-
guished. Twenty-four places are mentioned as supplicating or
applying for supplies. Some of these we know were organized.
When the Synod of Pittsburgh was organized, there were twelve
ministers in the Presbytery, viz. : James Power, Mt. Pleasant, Pa.;
Joseph Henderson, Ebcnezer and Blacklick; James Dunlap, Lau-
rel Hill; Jacob Jennings, Dunlap's Creek and Little Redstone;
John McPherrin, Salem; Samuel Porter, Congruity; George Hill,
Fairfield and Donegal; Wm. Swan, Long Run and Sewickley;
David Smith, Round Hill and Rehoboth; James Adams, George's
Creek and Union; Francis Laird, Poke Run and Plum Creek;
Robert Steel, pastor elect, Pittsburgh. The vacant churches
able to support a pastor were Pittsburgh, Greensburg and Unity;
Pitt Township and McKeesport ; Morgantown and Middletown.
The churches unable to support a pastor were New Providence,
Uniontowm, Tyrone, Sandy Creek Crossings, Clarksburg, Ty-
gart's Valley, Somerset, Turkey Foot, VMieatfield and Stoney
Creek. About this time some of the churches were visited with
a wonderful revival accompanied by what were called "The Fall-
ing Exercises." These were often observed in churches now in
Washington county. Rev. Robt. Johnson who was an eye wit-
ness of this work in the Round Hill Church, gives the following
account of it :
"I have seen men and women in solemn attitude, pondering
the truths which were presented, fall in a moment from their
seats or off their feet as helpless as though they had been shot
and lie from ten to fifteen or twenty minutes or longer as motion-
less as a person in a sound sleep. At other times the whole
frame would be thrown into a state of agitation as seemingly to
endanger the safety of the subject; and yet in a moment this agi-
tation would cease and the person arise in the full possession of
all his bodily senses and take his seat composed and solemn
without the least sensation of pain or uneasiness."
lO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
A very deep impression was made upon the people by these
exercises and the very old, as long as they lived, spoke of them
with the most profound reverence. In these meetings very many
were brought into the fold of Christ, who were pillars in the
house of the Lord. The question as to how the persons who
were the subjects of these remarkable experiences conducted
themselves is one of deep interest.
A very old lady whose memory ran back to those times
once said to the writer, "Some of them proved to be very good
Christians and were useful in the church and others soon went
back to the world and became as wicked as ever." In some
churches there was a continuous revival lasting a number of
years. Revivals began at an early day.
In 1778 the settlers in what is now Washington county were
driven into Vance's Fort by the Indians. Then God's spirit was
poured out in copious showers. "From 1781 to 1787," says the
historian, "a most extensive work of grace was experienced in the
churches of Cross Creek, Upper Buffalo, Chartiers, Pigeon Creek,
Bethel, Lebanon, Ten Mile, Cross Roads and Mill Creek, during
which more than a thousand persons were brought into the
Kingdom of Christ."
"From 1795 to 1799 another series of gracious visitations
were enjoyed by the churches generally, throughout Western
Pennsylvania, extending to the new settlements north of Pitts-
burgh." (Dr. Eaton's History of the Presbytery of Erie, p. 405.)
These reached on into the new century as we have seen. The
Communion seasons were usually occasions of very great inter-
est. People came on horseback and in wagons not infrequently
as far as twenty miles and lodged with the members who were
nearer until the services were concluded. Often has the writer
heard one who had been present in these seasons speak of the
delightful social Christian intercourse enjoyed.
EDUCATION.
Redstone Presbytery was a pioneer in Christian Education.
The early pastors were deeply impressed with the importance of
raising up a native ministry. The outpouring of the Spirit had
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. II
led young men to consider the duty of preaching Christ. But
there were no available facilities for education. The pastors
though burdened with the labor needed to help support their
families, with the care of planting and fostering the infant churches
in the wilderness and looking after the lost sheep of the house of
Israel, heroically undertook this new work of educating the
young.
FIRST SCHOOLS.
In 1782 Thaddeus Dodd built a little log cabin and opened
a classical and mathematical school which continued for three
and a half years, till he sold his farm. In 1785 Jo.seph Smith
began a school at Buffalo in his study, for young men, who were
preparing for the ministry. In Dodd's Academy, amongst others
were Jas. Hughes, John Brice, Daniel Lindley, Robert Marshall,
John Hanna and David Smith. When Mr. Dodd's school was
suspended Messrs. Hughes, Brice and perhaps others went to
Buffalo to Joseph Smith's school, in 1785, where they were join-
ed by Joseph Patterson, Jas. McGready and Samuel Porter.
This school was continued with success until Mr. Smith's failing
health compelled him after a few years to give it up and his
scholars passed into the Log Cabin School at Chartiers.
The exact time when Dr. McMillan began his school at
Chartiers has been in dispute and also the character of the school.
Dr. J. I. Brownsbn, who has thoroughly examined the discussion
pro and con, suggests that Dr. McMillan's school may have been
opened in 1780 and included Latin and Greek in its design as far
as there was demand for them, and when two years later Mr.
Dodd's distinctly classical school was started, such instruction
may have been surrendered to him for the time being, in view of
the sufficiency of one such school to meet the demand at the
time. The "Log College" survived the others, supplying classi-
cal and even theological training till after the Academy was start-
ed in Canonsburg in 1791, when the students in it were passed
over to that institution. (See Pres. Cen. Convention, p. 74.)
On September 24th, 1787, a charter was granted for an
Academy in Washington, Pa., by an Act of the Legislature of
Pennsylvania. The same Act devoted for the uses of the Acad-
12 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
emy 5,000 acres of land north of the Ohio river, chiefly in what
is now Beaver county. The charter was secured mainly through
the influence of Dr. McMillan and his two Elders, Judges Alli-
son and McDowell, who were members of the Legislature. In
1789 the Academy went into opei'ation under the care of Mr.
Dodd, who had given up his Academy on the Ten Mile.
In 1 791 the burning of the Court House in Washington,
the difficulty of obtaining a suitable building, the donation of a
lot of ground by Col. John Canon in Canonsburg and the gift
of a considerable sum of money by the same gentleman turned
the tide in favor of the establishment of another Academy in the
last named place. A school was opened there and the first reci-
tation in Latin was made by Robt. Patterson and Mr. Wm. Rid-
dle. Rev. Messrs. McMillan, Smith, Henderson and others in-
terested in the new institution were present and at the request of
Dr. McMillan, Mr. Henderson opened and Mr. Smith closed the
exercises with prayer. That first recitation was made "under the
shade of some sassafras bushes." In that year, 1791, the Pres-
bytery of Redstone overtured the Synod of Virginia on the edu-
cation of pious young men for the ministry. The Synod re-
sponded by recommending the establishment of two schools, one
in Rockbridge county, Va., under the Presidency of Rev. Wm.
Graham and the supervision of the Presbyteries of Lexington
and Hanover and the other in Washington county. Pa., under
Dr. McMillan and the supervision of the Presbytery of Red-
stone. Canonsburg was chosen as the place and the Academy
chartered in 1794.
EARLY COLLEGES.
The former institution grew into Washington College at
Lexington, Va., and the latter into Jefterson College, being char-
tered as a college in 1802. In 1-806, Washington Academy, after
varied fortune, became Washington College. The history and
work of these institutions, their rivalry, their struggles with pov-
erty, the efforts and sacrifices of their friends, the efforts for en-
dowment, the plans for union in deference to the demands of the
Christian public, form most interesting chapters in the education-
al history of the region, but we can not dwell upon them. In
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 3
1865 the efforts for union were partially successful; a plan was
adopted, a charter obtained, giving the three higher classes to
Canonsburg, and the Freshmen, the Preparatory and the Scien-
tific departments to Washington. In 1869 this was abandoned,
a complete union formed and the united College was located at
Washington and Jefferson Academ}' at Canonsburg. Convenient
buildings, located in a beautiful campus and an endowment of
$250,000 have been secured. The life of the College is assured,
but more buildings and larger endowment are needed.
MISSIONARY CH.^RACTER.
The Presbytery was essentially a missionary Presbytery.
Its members not only preached to their own people but they vis-
ited waste places, sought out destitute ones and organized them
into churches and watched over them till pastors could be ob-
tained. The labor performed was wonderful, especially when it
is remembered there were no public conveyances of any kind
and traveling was on horse-back or on foot, without roads,
bridges or ferries, and without comfortable stopping places at
night. Often, says the historian, has the preacher been com-
pelled to swim the creek or river on Sabbath morning and preach
in his wet clothes and then hasten on to fill another appointment.
Perhaps after a two days' ride he could not cross the swollen
stream and was compelled to retrace his steps without delivering
his message. (Hist. Erie Pres., p. 12). Yet their success was
great and churches seemed to spring up everywhere. Such was
the growth that in October, 1801, the Synod of Virginia, in ses-
sion at Winchester, organized the Presbytery of Erie, as we have
seen, from the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio. And in May,
1802, the General Assembly organized from Redstone, Ohio and
Erie, the Synod of Pittsburgh, mother, daughter and grand-
daughter.
At the first meeting of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in Pitts-
burgh, September 29th, 1802, it was resolved (ist) "that the Synod
of Pittsburgh should be styled the Western Missionary Society.
(2d) That the object of the Missionary Society is to diffuse the
knowledge of the Gospel among the inhabitants of the new set-
14 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
tlements, the Indian tribes and if need be among some of the in-
terior inhabitants where they are not able to support the Gospel."
Redstone Presbytery entered heartily upon this work of the Syn-
od, aiding the missionary efforts among the Wyandotte In-
dians, at Sandusky; the Senecas, near Buffalo; the Ottawas,
near Maumee and the Cornplanters on the head-waters of the
Allegheny.
CONTRIBUTIONS.
But even before this something had been done in the way of-
contributions. We find that on the 20th of Augu.st, 1789, Pres-
bytery ordered "that collections be raised from the several con-
gregations under the care of this P. b. y. agreeably to the Act
of General Assembly, and that the money collected be brought
to our spring meeting," (p. 60, min. Redstone.) This was prob-
ably to bear the expenses of Commissioners to the General As-
sembly, and, indeed, in the earlier history much of the energy of
the Presbytery, in the way of raising money seems to have been
devoted to this object and to getting arrears in pastors' salaries
settled up. But at a meeting held November 12th, 1789, we find
this record:
"Agreeably to a recommendation of the Synod of Virginia
for raising contributions for the support of missionaries, the
P. b. y. agrees to make contributions in the several congrega-
tions for that purpose as soon as convenient and that report of
success in the same be brought in at next spring meeting," (min.
p. 62). Then, April 22d, 1790, the Presbytery makes inquiry
and finding that some congregations had not attended to the
matter directs them to take collections and pay the same to Mr.
McMillan, Treasurer, (p. 65.) This record says the object was
to pay missionaries to vacant congregations. In September fol-
lowing, the order was renewed, (p. 70.) October 19, 1796, the
order was again renewed and the money ordered to be forwarded
to the Treasurer of the Commission appointed by the Synod of
Virginia. It was again renewed in 1799, (p. 130). In June, 1799,
Presbytery "injoined its members to exert themselves in endeav-
oring to raise collections for the support of missionaries and to
report at our next meeting," (p. 149).
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 5
On p. 152 is the record that the following sums were col-
lected for the Missionaries, viz.:
£. s. d.
Salem, .... 2 2 6
Little Redstone, . . i 3 io>^
Long Run, ...18 6%
Round Hill, . . • 3 I5 i
Unity, .... I 10 8>^
Sewickley, . . . . i 16 o
Rehoboth, . . . 5 12 6
Other records follow showing that the Presbytery was alive
to Missionary work and their eftorts were the more commenda-
ble when we remember the scarcity of money in early days. It
is worthy of note that by the efforts of the Synod of Pittsburgh,
in which the Presbytery took such an active part, was sown the
seed which has grown and ripened into the great work which the
church to-day is carrying on at home and abroad in the name of
the Lord. Note should be made also of the work of the Pres-
bytery in aiding young men of limited means to obtain an educa-
tion.
In Joseph Smith's school, at Buffalo, there were four young
men, Jas. Hughes, John Brice, Jos. Patterson and Samuel Porter,
aided by the ladies of Buffalo, Bethel, Chartiers and Cross Creek
Churches, who furnished them a part at least of their clothing.
So far as we know this was the first Educational Society in the
Presbytery. (See Dr. Smith's Hist, of Jefferson College, Oct.,
1 791.) The Presbytery in approving the action of the Synod of
Virginia in establishing the two schools, or Seminaries, as the
Synod termed them, recommended as follows: "The P. b. y.
therefore order their members to use their best endeavors to ob-
tain contributions for the above purpose and put them in the
hands of Mr. McMillan, who is appointed Treasurer, as soon as
possible, and of their diligence therein to render account at our
next Spring meeting," (p. 81.) Dr. McMillan faithfully attended
to this duty and in pursuance of it attended the meetings of Red-
stone Presbytery for eleven years after Ohio Presbytery was
formed as faithfully as he did his own.
1 6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
For a period of 30 years the work of the Presbytery was
quiet, yet faithful, under the ministrations of such good men as
Dr. Power, Samuel Porter, Rev. Geo. Hill, Wm. Swan, Wm.
Speer, Francis Herron, Joseph Stockton, Wm. Wylie, Robt.
Patterson, Robt. Johnson, Jas. Graham, Jas. Guthrie, Wm. John-
ston, Elisha P. Swift, Ashbel G. Fairchild, John Reed, Aretas
Loomis, A. O. Patterson, Jos. Henderson, Francis Laird, Robt.
Lee, A.sa Brooks, David Barclay, Geo. Van Eman, John McPher-
rin, Thos. Hunt and Thos. Davis. If it were not that we must
be brief, it would be interesting to give a sketch of the work per-
formed by some of these faithful servants of Christ, whose names
and memories are still fragrant in the church.
DRS. SWIFT AND HERRON.
The names of Francis Herron and Elisha P. Swift are inter-
woven with the history of the Church in Pittsburgh and Alle-
gheny. They did a work there in laying the foundations of Pres-
byterianism which will never be forgotten. We doubt not that
the historians of these churches will do justice to these godly
men.
Samuel Porter did a work in the Congruity Church and
Geo. Hill in Fairfield and Ligonier Churches which have made
their names memorable in Blairsville Presbytery.
MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY.
We refer to two or three who served the church grandly in
the bounds of the Redstone of to-day. Robt. Johnston was one
of these. He was of English extraction, a lineal descendant of
Oliver Cromwell, born August /th, 1774. He was educated at
Canonsburg and Dr. McMillan's "Log College," licensed by the
Presbytery of Ohio in 1802, came to this Presbytery from the
Presbytery of Erie and settled in Round Hill and Rehoboth con-
gregations in 1817, continuing for five years in that relation. He
was a successful pastor and a vigorous preacher. During his
pastorate these churches enjoyed some precious revivals.
Ashbel Green Fairchild, D. D., was another of Redstone's
noble workers. He was born in New Jersey, May ist, 1795,
graduated from Princeton in 181 3, licensed by the Presbytery of
New Jersey, April 1 8 16, received under the care of Redstone
PRESBYTERV OF REDSTONE.
17
Presbytery, April 21st, 181 8, and July ist following, was ordain-
ed as an evangelist. July 2d, 1822, he was settled as pastor at
George's Creek, Morgantown ajid Greensboro, at a salary of
5333-00. In '27 he resigned Morgantown and Greensboro and
was settled over the Tent Church, giving it half the time and
George's Creek the other half, till April, 1854, from which time
till his death, June, 1864, he gave his whole time to the Tent
Church. He was a faithful and successful pastor. Of wide and
varied scholarship, of genial temper, simple, dignified, yet unas-
suming, tried and true as a friend, he was greatly beloved by
his people and esteemed by his brethren. The historian of the
Tent Church has given a most admirable description of this good
man. It will be found further on in this book. But we must
not tarry longer with these personal sketches.
The first Statistical Report recorded in the minutes of Red-
stone Presbytery is as follows, (p. 234, in 1809):
Total in Communion,
April 1st, 1808.
Members
g
n'
g
en'
3
en"
n
c
en
fD
3
a
H
0
n
0
3
3
c
3
o'
3
Baptized since.
added.
>
CL
H
0
NAMES
OF CHURCHES.
0
3
■"" i.
0
n
n
0
9
/)
Si-
Congruity ....
Poke Run • • • 1
Plumb Creek . . /
Beulah
Rehoboth ....
Round Hill . . .
Laurel Hill . . .
Tyrone
Rehoboth (New) .
Licking
1st Pres. Cong. Pitts
125
136
122
120
90
20
33
45
8
7
7
15
2
8
6
3
I
1
18
25
2
I
2
9
2
2
I
144
122
126
lOI
1
I
7
2
I
45
56
20
22
20
II
15
18
48
57
20
22
27
13
16
18
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Theological Seminary.
^ CO o
ON t^ "^
1>« LO
Educational.
^88
lo O O
CM O O
r^ M CM
Commissioners' Fund.
o o o
o o o
ro ro LO
O <-o O O
LO LO o O
"^ Lo»0 "O
Missionary.
CO
00
LO O O O O
o o o o o
O) LO LO CO O
LO 1^ CM CO
P.
P5
Toial.
vO MD 1-1 1-1 CO LO '^
CM CO CM 1-1
Infants.
CM On On cm ^
CM CS 1-1 ►-
Adults.
OO CN ON
LO
Ti- t-^ 1-1 (N CO CO
Total now in Communion.
HH CO On f^
r^ cooo O
CM (N H- CO
LO c) r-^ i-i oo oo '^
'^ CO O r^oo CM ON
CO CM CO
Suspended.
^ -^
Dismissed.
i-i 00 I^ CM
lO NO <^
Died.
c^i ^ 1- r)
t^ -xh HH
Added on Certificate.
LO lO "^
1>.>0 CM CO r< CM -^
1-1 CM 1-1
Added on Examination.
oo vo O '^
« ^H « -^
rJ-OO -^ O '^ CM
CO C^) 1- CO
Total Communicants per
last Report.
P-H LO t^ O
LO CM oo VO
CM CM 1-1 i-i
t^OO cooo O CM 1-1
HH o ON C^l I>« CM 00
CO CM CM
CO
W
X
D
X
u
o
CO
W
<
Rehoboth and Round Hill
Laurel Hill and Tyrone
Brown-sville and Dunlap's Creek .
George's Creek and Union
Clarksburg and French Creek
Jefferson and New Providence .
Mt. Pleasant and Sewickley .
Long Run and McKeesport
Greensburg and Unity .
Somerset and Jenner .
Morgantown, S. S. . . .
Middletown, S. S. . . .
Uniontown, S. S. .
PRESIJVTEKV OF KEDSTONE. I9
TRANSFER OF CHURCHES.
In the year 1822 the Synod of Pittsburgh set off the
churches of Pittsburgh to the Presbytery of Ohio, and in 1825,
three years later — in a small measure compensated for tlie
loss by transferring to the Presbytery of Redstone the churches
of Jefferson and New Providence.
BLAIRSVILLE PRESBVTERV.
Up till 1830 the Presbytery held its north-east border un-
disturbed. But at the October meeting" of that year, it request-
ed Synod to divide the Presbytery by a line starting at the Mon-
ongahela river below McKeesport and running north-east to the
Pittsburgh and Stoystown turnpike and thence along the pike to
the top of the Allegheny mountains, the ministers and churches
north of the pike to be called the Presbytery of Blairsville, leav-
ing it optional with the ministers through whose charges the
road passes to which of the two they shall belong. (Min. p.
409.) Subsequently Greensburg and Donegal, now called Pleas-
ant Grove, were transferred to Blairsville, and the churches of
Somerset and Jenner at first in Redstone were set over to Blairs-
ville, but after a time restored to Redstone.
NEW AND OLD SCHOOL.
The division into Old and New School affected Redstone at
Greensburg, and at Mt. Pleasant and Pleasant Unity, which at that
time were one organization. A part, the larger part, went off
under the leadership of Rev. Samuel Montgomery, at that time
pastor of Mt. Pleasant, to the New School body. A church was
organized in the Mt. Pleasant (Middle) Church and another at
Pleasant Unity, under the care of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh.
After thirty-two years of separate existence, in the year 1869,
when the Old School and the New School Assemblies united and
the terms Old School and New School were dropped as titles,
two congregations under the care of Redstone took the place of
the three, viz.: Mt. Pleasant and Pleasant Unity. Subsequently
a new church building in the town of Mt. Pleasant was erected
and soon after the "Reunion Church," of Mt. Plea.sant, was organ-
ized.
20 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
WEST VIRGINIA PRESBYTERY.
The only subsequent change in our boundary was brought
about by the organization of the Presbytery of West Va., on the
south, by which we lost all south of the Pennsylvania line. With
this single exception the Presbytery has occupied substantially
the same ground for about fifty-seven years.
NEW CHURCHES.
During these years some new and important churches have
been organized, viz.: West Newton, Belle Vernon, Dunbar, Mt.
Pleasant Reunion, Scottdale, Fairchance, Leisenring and Mt.
Vernon.
MEMBERS OF PRESBYTERY.
During this half century the Presbytery has had on her
rolls not a few of the excellent of the earth, among whom we
may mention the names of Rev. A. O. Patterson, D. D., Rev. N.
H. Gillett, Rev. Joel Stoneroad, Rev. Watson Hughes, Rev.
John McMillan, D. D., — who rest from their labors — Rev. Sam-
uel Wilson, D. D., long the pastor of Dunlap's Creek, who is
waiting calmly for the end in Fairfield, Iowa, and Rev. J. R.
Hughes, who is still faithfully serving the Master in Dayton,
Ohio. In the Presbytery is Rev. John McClintock, pastor of
New Providence, who has stood in his lot in that field, faithful and
beloved since July, 1839, and Rev. Hugh O. R.oseborough, who
has served the church of the "Old Frame," George's Creek, since
1854. During these years, v/hich make up the later life of the
Presbytery, we have nothing of unusual character to chronicle.
Possibly every church within the bounds of the Presbytery has
enjoyed precious revivals of religion and again has experienced
seasons of spiritual coldness. Pastors have been released to go
to other fields of labor and worthy successors have come to fill
their places. Some strong churches have been weakened for a
time by strife and division or by immigration and death and have
grown strong again or remain in a crippled condition. Others
by revival or immigration have grown and are strong — some
which were in a healthy state and able to support pastors are
about the same still — and a few which had but a name to live
fifty or sixty years ago arc still breathing — not exactly dead yet,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 21
but comatose, with tlic probabilities that in the course of nature
they will join two or three others and be numbered among the
dead.
We have at this day some eight or nine churches which date
their birth before the organization of the Presbytery and are
older than the General Assembly.
We believe the Presbyterian church has not ceased to be the
leading denomination in this region. In the early days it stood
here almost alone; but now there are many others nobly engaged
with it in the work of the Master. With our advancement in
numbers, wealth and influence, we hav-e made advancement in
benevolence and in sj'stematic church work. Now our attention
is not so much absorbed in efforts to raise the Commissioners'
fund to defray the expenses to the General Assembly, or to se-
cure the pa)'ment of the arrears of Pastors' salaries. The whole
work of the Church at home and abroad in bringing the Gospel
to every creature occupies time and thought and prayer and ef-
fort. We are tr)M'ng to build on the foundations our fathers laid
in faith and prayer and self-denial and toil, to maintain, enlarge
and .strengthen the institutions they founded and hand them
down fitted as well to do the work of the future as they were to
do the work of the times when we received them. . The brethren
of Redstone Presbytery are striving to cultivate well the field in
which God has placed them, to care for the strangers that God is
bringing into their midst, to extend their influence as far as they
are able to "the regions beyond," and so leave the inheritance re-
ceived from the fathers undiminished in its glory. The last
statistical report to the General Assembly will show the present
condition of the churches and something of the progress of the
Presbytery.
PRESBYTERIAL CENTENNIAL.
The history would be incomplete without a notice of the
Centennial Celebration of the Presbytery, held in Uniontown,
Pa., September 22d, 1881. This celebration was held at Union-
town, rather than Laurel Hill, because of its greater accessibility
and superior accommodations. The Synod of Pittsburgh ar-
ranged to hold its eighty-first and last meeting at the close of the
22 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
celebration. Most of the members of the S}'nod were present
from the beginning.
After appropriate music, Rev. John M. Barnett, pastor of the
Presbyterian church of Connellsville, dehvered the address of
welcome at 1 1 a. m. "In the afternoon Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton,
D. D., of Washington, Pa., formerly pastor of the Presbyterian
church of Uniontown, gave a 'Brief History of the Founders of
Redstone Presbytery, Ministers and Elders,' in an exceedingly
clear and forcible style." After the singing of a hymn, Rew S.
J. Wilson, D. D., since gone to rest, set forth with great vivid-
ness and eloquence, "The growth and influence of Presbyterian-
ism, west of the Alleghenies during the past century." He was
followed by Rev. S. J. M. Eaton, D. D., of the Presbytery of
Erie, who gave interesting reminiscences of Redstone Presbytery.
The evening exercises were held in the Presbyterian Church,
Hon. J. K. Ewing presiding. Addresses were made by repre-
sentatives of the Presbyteries occupying territory once covered
by Redstone Presbytery. The venerable Rev. C. C. Beatty, D.
D. LL. D., represented Steubenville Presbytery; Rev. Wm. O.
Stratton, the Presbytery of Mahoning; Rev. Anson Smythe, D. ■
D., the Presbytery of Cleveland; Rev. Wm. M. Robinson, the
Presbyter)^ of Allegheny; Rev. Wm. McMichael, the Presbytery
of Clarion. Rev. Wm. V. Milligan, D. D., of the Presbytery of
St. Clairsville and Hon. John Trunkey, of the Presbytery of
Erie, were unable to be present.
At 9 A. M., on the 23d, the exercises were resumed on the
Fair Grounds. Rev. W. H. Jeffers, D. D. LL. D., of the Western
Theological Seminary, was to have discussed "The Future of
Presbyterianism and its part in moulding the Nation," but severe
illness in his family prevented his presence. His place was occu-
pied by Rev. John Gillespie, D. D., now Junior Secretary of the
Board of Foreign Missions and Rev. S. F. Scovel. D. D., now
President of Wooster University, O. Both made excellent ad-
dresses. After singing and prayer, at the request of Rev. Adam
Torrence, who was shortly after called home, the 23d Psalm was
sung and the benediction pronounced and the Centennial closed.
In its final action, the Synod of Pittsburgh, after extending
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 23
heart}' thanks to various parties, added "also to the Presbytery of
Redstone for the invitation extended to the other Presb}'teries to
share the enjoyments and benefits of the exceedingly interesting
and profitable celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of
the formation of that first Presbytery west of the Allegheny
mountains."
THANK OFFERINGS.
During the sessions of the Synod the following resolution
was adopted : "Whereas, the last meeting of the Synod of Pitts-
burgh occurs in connection with the Centennial celebration of
the foundation of Redstone Presb\'tery, therefore. Resolved,
That as a monument of this memorable occasion, the churches
in the bounds of the Synod contribute $3,000 to found in the
Western Theological Seminary, a scholarship to be named the
Redstone Centennial Scholarship." The following Committee,
one from each Presbytery, was appointed to suggest the means
for carrying out this resolution, viz. : Rev. Messrs. W. W.
Moorhead, C. V. McCaig, Wm. P. Moore, W. F. Hamilton and
J. B. Reed. The committee reported a plan which was adopted,
but was subsequently so modified and changed, that under the
management of Rev. C. V. McCaig, D. D., it resulted in the en-
dowment of a Professorship of Elocution in the Seminar)' in the
sum of $10,000 and the founding of the Redstone Centennial
Scholarship in the sum of $3,000. Of this sum $6,000 were
contributed by Redstone Presbytery — and of this two members
of Uniontown Church gave one half
In the territory occupied by Redstone Presbytery in 1788,
there are now, in 1888, the Presbyteries of Allegheny, Blairs-
ville, Butler, Clarion, Erie, Kittanning, Pittsburgh, Shenango,
Washington and West Va., in the Synod of Pennsylvania, and
Cleveland, Mahoning, St. Clairs\ille and Steubenville, in the
Synod of Ohio.
The eleven Presbyteries in the Synod of Pennsylvania have
340 ministers, 32 licentiates, 58 candidates. 453 churches, 67,299
members, 64,182 Sabbath School members. The}' gave in 1887
to Home Missions, $57,357; to Foreign Missions, $74,654; Edu-
cation, $12,942; to Sabbath School work, $7,819; Church Erec-
24 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
tion, ^10,913 ; Relief Fund, ^48,984 ; Freedmen. ,$15,388 ; Sus-
tentation, ;^3,77i ; Aid to Colleges, ;$ 18,671 ; General Assembly,
;$5, 398.69; Congregational, $574,686; Miscellaneous, 525.000.
The four Presbyteries in Ohio have 126 ministers, 4 licen-
tiates, 18 candidates, 162 churches, 24,047 members, 24,312 Sab-
bath School members, and gave to Home Missions, $25,279;
to Foreign Missions, $24,641 ; Freedmen, $2,756; Sustentation,
;^7o6; Aid for Colleges, $4,845 ; General Assembly, $2,188.10;
Congregational, $2,035.01 ; Miscellaneous, $27,975. In 1888
Presbytery reported 26 ministers, 34 churches, i licentiate, 5 can-
didates; members, 4,239; Sabbath School members, 3.989; Home
Missions, $2,359.00; Foreign Missions, $3,809.00; Educational,
$325.00; Sabbath School work, $456.06; Church Erection, $1,-
094; Relief Fund, $3,353.00; Freedmen, $717.00; Sustentation,
$282.00; Aid for Colleges, $656.00; Congregational, $47,172.00;
Miscellaneous, $1,281.00. Total, 466 ministers, 36 licentiates, 76
candidates, 615 churches, 91,346 members, 88,494 Sabbath
School members, and gave to Home Missions, $82,606.00; to
Foreign Missions, $99,295.00; Freedmen, $18,184.00; Sustenta-
tion, $4,477; Aid to Colleges, $13,516.00; General Assembly,
$758,619.00; Congregational, $778,187.00; Miscellaneous, $52,-
975.00.
Compare all this with the little band that was organized in
1 78 1, or that stood on the picket line west of the Alleghenies in
1788, and we can only exclaim, "Lo what hath God wrought."
To his name be all the praise.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 25
HISTORY OF CHURCHES.
DUNLAP'S CREEK.
BY REV. H. H. M MASTER.
Dunlap's Creek Presbyterian Church was organized in the
year 1774, nearly two years previous to the Declaration of Amer-
ican Independence, by Rev. James Power, D. D. The only
record known of its organization is that Dr. Power said he or-
ganized it in September, A. D., 1774. It comprised sixty-one
members and the following ruling elders, viz.: Charles Mc-
Clean, Andrew Frazer, Robert Baird, John Parker, Samuel Ter-
ence, David Reeder, Ebenezer Finley and William Frame.
The few Presbyterian families who had emigrated from East-
ern Pennsylvania and Old Virginia and settled in this vicinity
were visited in 1765 by Mr. Finley, a member of New Castle
Presbytery. He was one of the first ministers of the Gospel
who crossed the Allegheny mountains in quest of a western field
of missionary labor. He first blew the Gospel trumpet in this
then unbroken wilderness. He finally settled at Rehoboth and
Round Hill, where he enjoyed a long and successful pastorate.
He left three sons who became ruling elders in Rehoboth — Jo-
seph, William and Michael ; the eldest, Ebenezer, became a
ruling elder in Dunlap's Creek. The Rev. Drs. James Power
and John McMillan, among the earliest and noblest pioneers of
the Presbyterian Church, visited and preached the Gospel here.
Dr. Power brought his family here in the fall of 1776 and preach-
ed as stated supply for some time, but finally settled at Mount
Pleasant and Pleasant Unity. The first installed pastor of Dun-
26 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
lap's Creek was Rev. James Dunlap, who was installed, October
15th, 1782, and continued pastor seven years, when he resigned
this branch and gave all his time to Laurel Hill. After
a short period of supplies from Presbytery, the Rev. Jacob Jen-
nings, M. D., of the Dutch Reformed Church of New York and
New Jersey, was called and installed as the second pastor in 1792,
continuing to preach here and at Little Redstone until 181 1,
when, on account of age and infirmity, he resigned the charge,
but continued to preach occasionally until February 17th, 181 3,
when he was called to the eternal rest and reward promised by
the Chief Shepherd to the faithful pastor. He was a practical
physician and did good service in both his professions. His
ashes now rest in the adjoining cemetery.
The ruling elders during Dr. Jennings' pastorate were Hon.
Charles Porter, Ebenezer Finley, Sr., Robert Baird, Enoch
French and George Gallaher.
The third pastor of Dunlap's Creek was Rev. William John-
ston, whose charge embraced also the Presbyterian Church of
Brownsville. He became co-pastor with Dr. Jennings in 1812
and in 181 3 Dr. Jennings died and Mr. Johnston assumed the
pastorate, continuing in that relation until October or November,
1839, making a pastorate of over twenty-six years. He was
called to his reward, December 31st, 1841. His dust, with that
of his wife and eight children, rests in the old Dunlap's Creek
cemetery.
Rev. Samuel Wilson, D. D., was invited to occupy the pul-
pit from January ist, 1840, and was installed pastor by "the Pres-
bytery of Redstone, November 17th, of the same year. He
continued pastor of the church until May ist, 1869; from that
time he supplied the pulpits of Dunlap's Creek, New Salem and
McClellandtown, until June 20th, 1869, when he removed to Illi-
nois. For nearly thirty years he enjoyed a prosperous pastorate
in this charge and left many warm friends behind.
The ruling elders in 1840 were Ebenezer Finley, Sr., Hon.
Charles Porter, Aaron Baird, George Chalfant, Moses B. Porter,
Cephas Porter and Ebenezer Finley, Jr. Others were added
during Dr. Wilson's pastorate, viz.: Samuel Linn, Finley Chal-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 2/
fant, James Evving, and at another time, Ebenezer T. Gallaher
and Joshua V. Gibbons; of these Ebenezer Finley, Finley Chal-
fant and E. T. Gallaher, still remain the wise and beloved coun-
sellors of this congregation.
The Rev. James P. Fulton received and accepted a call from
this congregation on November 3d, 1869, (McClellandtown was
still included in the charge) and he continued pastor until Octo-
ber, 1878. During the pastorate of Mr. Fulton there were added
to the Board of Elders on October 31st, 1875, Messrs. Johnston
Vankirk and E. Hayden Baird. When Dr. Wilson resigned in
1869, there were 183 members in the church and during Mr. Ful-
ton's pastorate of nine years there were added to the member-
ship 157.
On the I ith of December, 1878, the congregation of Dun-
lap's Creek made a call for the services of Rev. W. G. Nevin,
and on March i ith, 1879, he was installed pastor of said church
and continued in that office until April 17th, 1883. There were
added to the membership during his pastorate thirty-two. It
was a prosperous and pleasant pastorate but not long. Ill health
disabled him for the work in so large a field, which he resi"-ned
for a less extended one.
The present pastor was called to the field on May 14th,
1883, and installed August i6th, of the same year. Of the work
of the past four years we have but little to say. During that
time there were added to the eldership in 1885, Messrs. H. W.
Finley, John E. Finley and Clark B. Campbell, and during these
four years past of the present pastorate there have been added to
the membership eighty-seven, of whom seventy-two were by pro-
fession and fifteen by letter.
The house of worship still occupied by the congregation of
Dunlap's Creek was built of stone in 18 14 and took the place of
the old log church which was erected a short time after the or-
ganization of the congregation. The old stone church has un-
dergone many changes in the past seventy-three years, having
been several times repaired and remodeled, but like all things
earthly it began to show marks of decay. The tooth of time
28 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
had gnawed much of the pointing out of the wall and weakened
the roof structure until it was no longer safe.
In the spring of 1887 the people concluded to honor the
Lord by making the dear old church almost new, leaving the old
walls standing as they were erected in 18 14, only adding a little
more to them by raising the gables higher and thus giving a
more modern appearance to the roof They put up a new frame
ceiling, renewed the doors and windows, repainted the walls and
replaced nearly all the old with new and substantial material, so
that now we have practically a new house of worship, and yet it
is the Old Stone Church of Dunlap's Creek, re-dedicated on the
25th of August, 1887.
But the history of Dunlap's Creek would not be complete
were we to make no mention of her eldest and only daughter, the
church of New Salem. Many years ago one of the good and
brave elders of this Church, Ebenezer Finley, Sr., planted a Sab-
bath School in the little village of New Salem, which, by the
blessing of God, has became an important ally of the old church.
A commodious and substantial brick church was erected, which
was dedicated in February, 1853. The New Salem branch has
for years been a prosperous and promising field and takes hon-
est and commendable pride in bearing half of the financial bur-
den of the Dunlap's Creek charge. This congregation, however,
has not furnished her quota of ministers to the actual work of the
Lord. We can only find a record of six from this large congre-
gation in more than a hundred years. To the work of those six
the congregation may look with humble pride and congratula-
tion.
It gives us pleasure to record that one of our brave and no-
ble daughters, Miss Maggie Baird, some three years ago laid her
life and talents upon the altar of God's service and with a holy
consecration of all to her Redeemer, went out to labor for His
glory and the salvation of perishing souls in our mission field in
Canton, China. Thus we have recorded a few of the historical
facts connected with the rise and progress of the Lord's work in
this part of his vineyard during the past 113 years. May the
next century by the blessing of God be more fruitful of good,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 29
more honoring to God and more blessed in winning souls into
His kingdom is the prayer of your unworthy historian.
[The pastorate of Rev. H. H. Mc Master ended on the last
of September, 1888, by his resignation and removal to Iowa, to
enter on a field of labor in the bounds of Ft. Dodge Presbyter}'.]
SEWICKLEY.
BY REV. A. W. EMMONS.
Sewickley Presbyterian Church was organized by the Rev.
James Power in the year. 1776 — probably in November — soon
after the arrival of himself and family in Western Pennsylvania,
or what was then called the "back woods." Two years before,
in the summer of 1774, he had spent three months in this new
country engaged in missionary work among the settlers. At
that time he frequently preached where the first Sewickley
church building was erected, "one mile and a half north of the
present structure." In the spring of 1779 he became the regu-
lar pastor of Sewickley and Mt. Pleasant congregations. He
continued the pastor of these united congregations until August
22d, 1787, when he was dismissed from Sewickley Church. Of
the faithfulness of this servant of Christ there can be no ques-
tion. Many who knew him during their lives testified of his
earnest, intelligent presentation of gospel truth both in the pul-
pit and the family circle. At his regular visits the children were
examined in the Shorter Catechism, "and the young people and
heads of families were examined as to their understanding of the
doctrines taught in the Catechism and the Scripture Proofs" and
"the whole was closed with an address suited to the occasion and
with prayer."
30 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
After the retirement of Dr. Power from this church, the
pulpit remained vacant for six years and two months, but on
October i6th, 1793, the Rev. Wm. Swan was installed pastor of
the united congregations of Sewickley and Long Run, and la-
bored for twenty-five years, until October i8th, 18 18, when he
resigned his pastoral charge.
"In the year 1804 and for some years afterwards this con-
gregation was visited with special outpourings of the Spirit of
God" and considerable numbers were added to the church.
After the dismissal of Mr, Swan the church was dependent
for preaching upon supplies for two years and a half; but this
state of things was happily terminated in the spring of 1821, by
the ordination and installation of Mr. A. O. Patterson, who on
the 1 8th day of April began his labors as pastor of the united
congregations of this church and Mt. Pleasant. This connec-
tion was a pleasant and a profitable one, and continued until Oc-
tober 8th, 1834, when it was severed by the resignation of Dr.
Patterson, because both churches had grown so much that each
felt able to support a pastor.
In April, 1836, Sewickley gave a call to Rev. Wm. Annan,
who was installed in the following June; but owing to the "weak
and debilitated state of his health" he was compelled to resign
in April, 1838. The vacancy this time was short, as in Decem-
ber of the same year Rev. J. B. McKee was installed pastor; he
remained in this position for three years and six months. Dur-
ing his stay several members in the south-eastern part of the
congregation obtained their certificates. Mr. McKee went with
them and organized the Harmony Church, at Reagantown, seven
miles south-east of Sewickley church building. His successor
in Sewickley was the Rev. Richard Graham, who was installed
probably in the spring of 1845, and was dismis.sed some time in
the year 1 850. Mr. Graham, although a man of some eccen-
tricities of character, was a fine scholar and an able preacher, and
was generally successful in his labors. He went from here to
the State of Ohio, where he died not long after leaving Sewickley.
After Mr. Graham left. Rev. Watson Hughes supplied the
pulpit for a time. During his stay several members secured cer-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 3 I
tificates from the church to organize a church at West Newton,
which was done, January 8th, 185 i. Mr. Hughes retired with
them and became the pastor of the new organization.
In 1852, Rev. Cyrus Riggs became the pastor and faithfully
preached the Gospel and taught from house to house the doc-
trines of the Bible until the tenth day of April, 1861, when ex-
pediency required him to make a change in his field of labor.
It was two and one-half years before another minister was
secured; at the end of that time, November 7th, 1863, the Rev.
\Vm. L. Boyd was installed, but only remained pastor until April
4th, 1867, because the congregation having been weakened by
the withdrawal of several members felt unable to continue the
payment of his salary.
The vacancy of the pulpit this time lasted a year and five
months and was terminated October 3d, 1868, by the installation
of Rev. J. K. Andrews as pastor; but this connection only lasted
until April 26th, 1871, when Mr. Andrews severed his connec-
tion with the church. It was during his stay that the organ was
introduced into the church.
Now occurred a longer vacancy, succeeded by a shorter
pastorate than any which had taken place in the history of this
church. For six years and seven months this congregation was
without the ministrations of a regular pastor, dependent upon
supplies for preaching; the most of these supplies were good and
able men who performed their duties faithfully. Among them
may be mentioned Rev. J. H. Stevenson, who, it is safe to say,
never neglected a known duty. Mr. Stevenson supplied the pul-
pit for about one year. During his stay he received about thirty
members, more than had been received by any minister of this
congregation in the same length of time. Rev. Geo. K. Scott
also labored for a time and received a call to become pastor, but,
some differences arising in the congregation, the Presbytery, on
meeting to install him, deemed it best not to do so and the va-
cancy continued.
Rev. \V. G. Nevin, then of the U. P. Church, was called.
He accepted and was installed pastor, December 17th, 1877, but
he only remained one year, being dismissed, December 24th,
32 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
1878, to accept a call to the Dunlap's Creek Church. Mr. Nevin
is now pastor of the church in Sharon, Pa., and is favorably re-
membered by the members of Redstone Presbytery. His suc-
cessor was Jacob Ruble, a licentiate, who was ordained and in-
stalled pastor in 1880. He preached faithfully, meeting with
much apparent success in bringing- souls to Christ, until October,
1 88 1, when he was suspended from the Gospel Ministry and
from membership in the church by the Presbytery. Another va-
cancy of two years now occurred, during which the church suf-
ered much from removals and death.
On the nth of October, 1883, the Rev. J. D. Owens be-
came the pastor of the church, but for reasons satisfactory to
himself he resigned, and was dismissed April 29th, 1885. It was
during his short stay of one year and seven months that the
parsonage was built. It is a frame building, containing six
rooms, a pantry and closets, and is well arranged for a small
family. It stands on a lot of about one and a half acres adjoin-
ing the church lot.
After the departure of Mr. Owens a vacancy of two years
and one month occurred. During this time the church was rare-
ly supplied up to the month of July, 1886, when Mr. A. W. Em-
mons, the Presbyterial Missionary, a licentiate, was engaged to
preach every other Sabbath, which he continued to do until
April 1st, 1887, when he began preaching regularly every Sab-
bath, and was ordained and installed pastor, May 26th, 1887.
While the church has experienced many severe trials, which
have brought it very low at times, God has graciously brought
it safely through them all, and has given it many manifestations
of his favor, so that at the present time there is good promi.se
of a future career of usefulness.
The present membership, as reported, is one hundred and
five, but these figures will have to be reduced some because of
the removal of several members. The Sabbath School has sixty
members and seems to be doing a good work among the child-
ren and young people. A prayer meeting was established in
May of the present year and is regularly attended by from fifteen
to forty persons. The present session is composed of five mem-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 33
bers, as follows : David Hunter, John Martin, Jacob Edward
Robertson, Thomas L. Robertson and David D. Bair; the four
last named were installed, June 26th, 1881. The congregation
has had three buildings since its organization. The first one is
thus described in "Old Redstone:" "Constructed entirely with
the axe, no saw, or plane, or even a hammer to drive a nail were
used, for naiis or iron in any shape were not employed The roof
was clap-boards, kept in their places by logs laid upon them
and the doors were of the same kind, fastened together with
wooden pins. The windows were small openings cut in adjacent
logs and glazed with paper or white linen, oiled with hog's lard
or bear's grease. The seats were logs, cleft in the middle and
rai.scd a suitable height on blocks. Such was the original house
in which Dr. Power preached in Sewickley congregation. It
stood about one mile and a half north of the present place of
public worship, on the road leading from Alarkle's mill toward
Pittsburgh, about half way between the big and little Scwick-
lies."
This continued to be the place of worship until 1787 or af-
ter. During that year the south side of the congregation de-
cided, as they had a large majority of the congregation and many
of them many miles to go, to build a house on the south side of
the creek; this being opposed by the members on the north side,
much trouble arose and was the cause of Dr. Power resigning
his care of the congregation. A compromise between the two
sides was finally effected by the south side promising to build a
bridge at what is now known as Bell's mill.
The second building was built of logs and was about sixty
feet in length by thirty in width. There the congregation met
and worshiped until 1832, when the pi'cscnt building was erected.
This being of stone, si.xty feet long by forty feet wide and thirty
feet to top of roof, and having a wall twenty-four inches in thick-
ness, was a work of great magnitude in those days, and required
the labors of many men for several months. In the meantime
the congregation worshiped in the adjoining lot, some sitting in
a temporary board tent, in which the pulpit stood and others
resting on the ground beneath the shade of large oak trees.
34 PRKSBYTF.RY OF REDSTONE.
The present building is in good condition and bids fair to
remain a comfortable place of worship for many years to come.
At one time, before the bridge was built, in the early spring, a
heavy rain so raised the water that the creek could not be forded
on the Sabbath. Dr. Patterson, who was then pastor, mounted a
stump, the people seated themselves on saddles, logs and stones,
sung God's praise and listened to the sermon delivered by the
faithful ambassador of Christ.
MOUNT PLEASANT.
BY REV. GEO. P. DONEHOO.
In a paper of this nature, which must necessarily be very
brief, it is a difficult matter to know what to omit. Only those
events which serve as mile-stones shall be pointed out. In
1774, James Power, a minister of twenty-nine years, "crossed the
Allegheny mountains and spent three months in what are now
Westmoreland, Allegheny, Washington, Fayette and Greene
counties, Pennsylvania." In 1776, probably. Dr. Power moved
with his family to Dunlap's Creek, near what is now Browns-
ville. During his residence at this place he occupied himself
with missionary labors, preaching in the various settlements
about him and in organizing new churches. At this time he
probably organized the church of Mount Pleasant. In 1779 he
became the regular pastor of the Mount Pleasant and Sewickley
congregations. It was at this time that the settlement of various
other ministers in the then "west," led to the formation of the
"Redstone" Presbytery, which was organized at Pigeon Creek,
September 19th, 1781. The pastorate of Dr. Power continued
until 1 8 17, when he resigned on account of infirmity brought on
by old age. He remained among the people of his charge until
his death in 1830.
The two congregations of Mount Pleasant and Sewickley
were united in one pastorate under Rev. Andrew O. Patterson.
PRE.SHVTEKV OF KED.STOXE. 35
Fie was ordained and installed, April iSth, 1821. He was a
<^reat worker among the young people of his charge. The mem-
bership of the united congregations in 1829 was about 300. In
the year in which he resigned it was over 400. While he was
pastor of these churches, houses of worship were built in the
towns of Mount Pleasant and Pleasant Unity and the old Mid-
dle church was re-built. In 1 834 Dr. Patterson resigned his charge
to labor in the interests of the Board of Home Missions.
Rev. Samuel Montgomery succeeded Dr. Patterson in 1835.
In 1840, after the division of the General Assembly took place,
the church of Mount Pleasant became divided into the Old and
the New School branches. About tA\o-thirds of the congrega-
tion followed Mr. Montgomery into the New School branch.
This left about sixty members and six elders who remained in
the Presbytery of Redstone and the Old School branch. The
New School branch was very prosperous during this time. Mr.
Montgomery remained its pastor until 1844 or '45- The Old
School congregations of Mount Pleasant and Greensburg united
in one charge and called Mr. James I. Brownson in 1841. He
continued pastor until December, 1848, when he resigned to take
charge of the Presbyterian Church of Washington, Pa. The
other pastors of the New School branch during the division were
Rev. Messrs. Porter, Cochrane and Sparks. We have no means of
finding out the exact time when these men were at Mt. Pleasant.
Rev. John M. Barnett took charge of the Old School branch of
the congregation, April 1st, 1862 and resigned October 6th, 1869.
The membership at the beginning of his pastorate was 121 ; fifty-
three were received on profession of faith, thirty-nine by letter,
sixty-three were dismissed and twenty died. The first pastor after
the reunion in 1869 was Rev. John McMillan, D. D., who became
pa.stor in April, 1870. His charge consisted of the re-united
churches of Mt. Pleasant and Plea.sant Unity. On June i6th,
1870, the corner-stone of the new church in Mt. Pleasant town
was laid. This building was completed on September ist, 1872.
Dr. McMillan was at this time released from the charge of the
church of Pleasant Unity and preached at the Reunion and the
Mt. Pleasant churches on alternate Sundays. April 25th, Pres-
36 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
bytery in session at Mt. Pleasant, divided Mt. Pleasant church
and organized Mt. Pleasant Reunion church, by setting over 170
members, and William B. Neel, William Giffen and John D. Mc-
Caleb, ruling" elders — Alexander H. Stricklerand Absalom Schall
were elected deacons. Shortly after this time the church of
Mt. Pleasant requested that Dr. McMillan give them the
whole of his time, as did also the Reunion church. In 1873 Pres-
bytery dissolved the pastoral relation existing between Dr. Mc-
Millan and the church of Mt. Pleasant and left him pastor of the
Reunion church. At the beginning of his labors in the Mt.
Pleasant church in 1 870 it had 241 members. Of these 107 be-
longed to the Old School branch and 134 to the New School.
During his pastorate 126 were received into the communion of
the church. At the time of his dismissal, there remained 160.
Rev. W. F. Pawing was ordained and installed pastor of this
church on June 4th, 1874. "On the 9th of October, 1874, the
Presbyterian church of Mt. Pleasant held a Centennial celebra-
tion commemorative of the first Presbyterian preaching in the
church and neighborhood. The adjoining congregations of
Pleasant Unity and the Reunion Memorial church — both daugh-
ters of the Mt. Pleasant church — were present by invitation and
participated in the celebration." Addresses were made by Rev.
J. I. Brownson, D. D.. Rev. J. M. Barnett, Rev. John McMillan,
D. D., and others. Rev. W. F. Ewing resigned in the spring of
1884 to travel for the benefit of his health. Rev. M. H. Bradley
was installed pastor of the church, October 7th, 1884, and re-
signed in the spring of 1886. The present pastor, Rev. George
P. Donehoo, was ordained and installed October 6th, 1886.
The members of the Church Session, of whom any record
remains, are the following: John Vance, for thirty-two years a
ruling elder; died, April 15th, 1845. William T. NichoUs, died
1842. John Giffin, an elder for fifty years ; died, October 6th,
1854. His father was one of the original elders of the church;
his son also is an elder. John Giffen, ordained in 1850. John
Hunter, served twenty-four years as ruling elder; died in 1854.
Nathaniel Hurst, son-in-law of Dr. Power, was for fifty-five years
an elder in the church; died 1861. Hugh Wilson, an elder for
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 37
fifty-two years ; died 1869. Samuel Neel, an elder for sixteen
years; died in 1862. He was a son-in-law of one of the original
elders of the church. James P. Hurst, ordained in 1850; re-
moved from the church in 1863. Robert C. McClain, ordained
in 1854; died in 1867. Jesse Hunter, ordained and installed,
May loth, 1862. William B. Neel, ordained and installed, May
lOth, 1862. Joseph Jamison, ordained and installed. May loth,
1862. William Giffen, ordained and installed. May loth, 1862.
Jesse Hunter and William B. Neel are now elders in the Re-
union Church of Mt. Pleasant; Joseph Jamison and William Gif-
fen are elders at Pleasant Unity. John Sherrick, ordained in
1840; removed from the congregation in 1886. James Newell,
ordained, December 1843. He is now an active member of the
session. Joshua Evans, ordained, November 1858; died, Sep-
tember 1 87 1. Samuel Hissem, ordained, September 1867; died,
January 30th, 1882. These three were elders in the New School
branch before the reunion. Reuben K. Hissem, ordained, 1882;
now a member of the session. Wilson Shields, William H. Evans
and Abram S. Loucks, were ordained and installed, March 20th,
1887.
The session, at present, is composed of the following mem-
bers, viz : R. K. Hissem, Wilson Shields, William H. Evans,
Abram S. Loucks and James Newell. There have been four
church buildings. The first was made of logs, the second was a
frame structure and the last two have been of brick. The pres-
ent membership of the church is 181.
LAUREL HILL.
FROM A HISTORICAL SERMON BY REV. JOEL STONEROAD AND BROUGHT
DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME BY THE LATE PASTOR^
REV. .S. S. BERGEN.
From the most reliable sources of information accessible to
us, the first pastor of Laurel Hill, was Rev. James Dunlap, D.
38 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
D., a native of Chester county, Pa. He was a graduate of Prince-
ton College and studied Divinity with Rev. James Finley, of
East Nottingham; was licensed by the Presbyter}- of Donegal
somewhere between 1776 and 1 781, and was settled in 1782 as
first pastor of Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek. (See "Old Red-
stone," pages 301-2-3). As to facts and dates no man was more
likely to be correct than the author of "Old Redstone."
The same authority informs us that the pastoral relation of
Dr. Dunlap to Laurel Hill was dissolved in 1803, when he was
elected to the Presidency of Jefferson College. He held this re-
-sponsible position until 181 1, when he moved again into the
Presbytery of Redstone, shortly after which he was dismissed, at
his own request, to the Presbyter}- of Philadelphia, with which
his son (Rev. Wm. Dunlap) was connected, as pastor of the
church of Abingdon, Pa. With him he lived until his death in
18 18, at the age of seventy-five years.
Tradition, as well as concurrent history, accord to Dr. Dun-
lap the character of a very good man and superior scholarship,
especially in the classics. It is said he could hear long recita-
tions in Virgil and Homer without book and then thoroughly
drill the reciting class in the words and sentences, while walking
to and fro with his hands behind his back. Tradition, moreover,
says that a very difficult sentence from one of the Latin or Greek
classics had passed round some half dozen American colleges,
challenging translation, when Dr. Dunlap took hold of it and
promptly disposed of it to the entire satisfaction of every one
competent to pass judgment in the premises.
It is also said that this excellent and learned man was occa-
sionally subject, as many others have been, to periods of great
despondency. Take the following case: Soon after his settle-
ment at Dunlap's Creek, at the close of the forenoon service, af-
ter announcing a second service, with the usual intermission and
pronouncing the benediction, he withdrew, under dejection of
spirit, to his own house, some half mile away from the church,
where some of the elders traced him and with great difficult}- and
much persuasion succeeded in bringing him back to the churcli,
when he preached with more than usual liberty.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 39
VVc have no authentic record as to the general state of the
church during his pastorate, though tradition says his pastorate
was, in the main, a successful one. The great revival of 1 800-1-
2-3, attended with what was generally called "the falling work"
and which visited so many parts of the western country, was felt,
more or less, in the churches of Dunlap's Creek and Laurel Hill.
The church of Laurel Hill was probably organized by Dr.
Power in the year 1776. Such is the testimony of "Old Red-
stone." There is not on record, so far as known to the writer, a
single shred of positive testimony giving the exact year of its or-
ganization. And where "Old Redstone" speaks with hesitation,
it ill becomes us to be positive. But in a case of this sort, un-
contradicted tradition ought to be satisfactory, if not entirely
conclusive. Admitting the chronological ccfrrectness of the fore-
going statement, this year, 1876, is literally and truly our Cen-
tennial year.
Laurel Hill just 100 years old! This reminds us of a re-
mark made by the great Dr. R. J. Breckinridge, in the Assembly
of 1866, at St. Louis, that "one of the hardest things in the
world to kill is an Old School Presbyterian Church." Had not
the Devil been sufficiently chained he would have crushed old
Laurel Hill beneath his feet long, long ago. But thanks to kind
Heaven, the Devil is chained by the power and Providence of
God; and, like Bunyan's roaring lion, can but reach to the end of
his chain.
The question might as well be mooted here as anywhere,
viz.: Why was Laurel Hill given as the name of the church ?
Though we have no positive evidence as to the reason of the
name, yet, we doubt not, 'tis found in the well known fact that
this church lOO years ago was the only church near the great
mountain range of that name h'ing to the east — much nearer
than any other Presb)'terian church. The churches of Union-
town and Connellsville had no existence then, nor for more than
half a century after that. Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek then
may be regarded as the mother of Presb)'terian churches in Fay-
ette county, Pa., and have now some fifteen ecclesiastical daughters.
40 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
This is swarming pretty successfully, for which we would thank
God and take courage.
The first house of worship at Laurel Hill was erected in
1772 — a very plain, rather small log structure. Subsequently it
was considerably enlarged with a frame addition. And then in
1852, in the second year of the writer's administration, Rev. Joel
Stoneroad, the congregation erected the present very creditable
structure in which to worship the God of our fathers.
Dr. Power, who organized the church of Laurel Hill, came
from the Presbytery of New Castle and preached as a licentiate
for a short season to the congregations of Laurel Hill, Dunlap's
Creek and others in the western country. In December, 1776,
he moved his family into the bounds of this Presbytery and in
the same year organized this church.
The earliest records of the church, if they had any, being
lost, we have no sessional records running back farther than
1833. Yet, unofficial testimon)^ says, that, at the time of Dr.
Dunlap's settlement at Laurel Hill, in 1782, the elders were John
Travis and James Finley. We know- nothing of them save the
names. The first election of elders, after Dr. Dunlap's settle-
ment at Laurel Hill, resulted in the choice of James McLean,
Samuel McLean, Daniel McLean, John Allen, James Wilkin and
John Maxwell. The next accession to the eldership were James
Parker and Joseph Morrison — the exact time of their election
not being given.
Though we know but little of these men — of some nothing
— they were doubtless men possessing the confidence of those
by whom they were elected. James Parker, grand- father to
Messrs. James and W. H. Henshaw, as also to the first consort
of the present pastor (Rev. J. Stoneroad), comes down thus en-
dorsed by tradition, as a faithful servant of Christ and His
church.
It may as well be noted here that it was under Dr. Dun lap
that the division on Psalmody occurred in this congregation.
The exact time of this is not on record so far as known to us.
On the introduction of Dr. Watts' Psalms and Hymns, fully one-
third of the congregation, if not more, immediately withdrew.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 4 1
And to this day, after the lapse of near a century, proportions
remain much tlie same — save that the Presbyterian church has
grown into some fifteen churches — while the seceding portion
(now U. P.) has made no advance whatever in the number of its
churches in P"ayette county. [Eds. — We think one or two U. P.
churches have recently been organized. A church has been
organized in Connellsville within a few years.]
Whatever may be said of Dr. Dunlap's piety, ability and
learning, tradition does not give him much credit for prudence
and forecast in this matter of division. Kindly and prudentlx'
managed, this unhappy division could and should have been
avoided. To thrust Watts upon the congregation without con-
sulting the views and sentiments of those opposed to the meas-
ure was, to say the least, inexpedient, impolitic and unwise. We
have a number of churches in our communion, which, to this
day, continue to use Rouse's version. And, in doing so, they
have the endorsement of our General Assembly, which long ago,
authorised the use of Rouse's version in all our churches that
preferred to use it — and this endorsement the General Assembly
has never withdrawn. It seems a great pity that so small a mat-
ter should have kindled so great a fire. United, they could readi-
ly furnish a living salary; divided, the salary in both congrega-
tions, is necessarily kept, as nearly as possible, at starvation
point. In one way or other, God has doubtless accomplished
some good by this division — how or what we cannot say. But
assuredly the cause of division is too weak and slender to stand
the full blaze of millennial glory, and long ere that period,
doubtless, "Fuit Ilium" (Troy has been), will be written under-
neath it and then consigned to the tomb of the Capulets.
Dr. Dunlap having become President of Jefferson College in
1803, on the 1 8th of April, 1804, a call from the congregations
of Laurel Hill and Tyrone for the ministerial services of Re\ .
James Guthrie was lodged in the hands of Presbytery.
Mr. Guthrie was a native of Westmoreland county, Pa., a
child of the covenant, early renewed by the Spirit and carefulK-
instructed in the doctrine and duties of religion. His mind be-
ing biased in favor of the ministry, he entered Dickinson Col-
42 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
lege, Carlisle, Pa., of which Charles Nesbit, D. D., was the illus-
trious President and graduated with the last class from Dickin-
son College during Nesbit's administration. Mr. Guthrie studied
Theology with one of the pastors of Redstone Presbytery, whose
name we have not been able to learn. There were no Theologi-
cal Seminaries in those days.
The above named call being put into the hands of Mr. Guth-
rie, after holding it some six months, he accepted it and was or-
dained and installed, April 17th, 1805. Rev. George Hill preach-
ed the sermon and Rev. Mr. Henderson presided.
The elders composing the session of Laurel Hill when Mr.
Guthrie settled here were Samuel Finley, Samuel McLean, James
Holliday, James McCormick and John Morrison. The first el-
ders ordained and installed by Mr. Guthrie were Joseph Tor-
rence, James Allen and Enoch French. The second addition to
the session, under his pastorate, were Patrick Watson, Andrew
Wylie and John Clark.
In 1826, D. A. C. Sherrard, Esq. and John Larrimer, were
ordained and installed ruling elders. In 1833, Thomas Grier,
John Morrison, Esq., Samuel A. Russel, Robert Davies, A. C.
Byers and Matthew Byers, were also ordained and installed by
Mr. Guthrie. Also in November 22d, 1844, by the same, Thom-
as McMillan, having been previously elected by the congrega-
tion, was duly ordained and installed.
Some five or six months before his death, Mr. Guthrie, feel-
ing the infirmities of age creeping upon him, suggested to the
session to make out a call for the ministerial services of Rev.
Joel Stoneroad, then pastor of Cross Roads Church, Presbytery
of Washington, Pa., to become co-pastor with Mr. Guthrie. To
this proposition Mr. Stoneroad acceded, a relation both pleasant
and cordial, but of very short duration, as Mr. Stoneroad was in-
stalled co-pastor, June 6th, 1850, and Mr. Guthrie departed this
life, August 24th, 1850, thus making the co-pastorate not quite
three months duration. Mr. Guthrie died as he lived and enter-
ed into rest.
Mr. Stoneroad continued to be pastor of the two congrega-
tions of Laurel Hill and Tyrone until 1861, when, owing to the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 43
cxtensiv^e territory of tlie combined charge, the difficulty of
crossing a river without a bridge and the fact that Laurel Hill
proposed to take the whole of the pastor's time, paying the sal-
ary of both congregations, Mr. Stoneroad, with consent of Pres-
bytery, relinquished his charge of Tyrone and gave all his time
to Laurel Hill.
During Mr. Stoneroads first year as pastor of both congre-
gations, the additions on examination, at Laurel Hill, were twen-
ty-six— not at one time, but at two or three communion seasons.
The next year there were ten on examination, the next ten and
the next fifteen. We cannot say what were the additions in the
same period at Tyrone, as we have not the records before us,
though the presumption is that it would nearly equal that of
Laurel Hill. After the first four years the additions varied con-
siderabl}^, but were generally less up to the year 1870, when
twenty-four were added on examination at one time. In 1851
the membership was about 136 and shortly after rose to 150; but
owing to fewer additions for some years past, with at least the
usual number of deaths and dismissions, the membership does
not now probably exceed 140.
The first election for elders under Mr. Stoneroad's pastorate
occurred in April, 185 i, which resulted in the choice of James
Stewart, John Clark, Wm. H. Haslett and James Allen, who
were ordained and installed by the pastor, April, 185 1. The next
addition to the session took place in the fall of 1 866, when the
following persons were elected, viz.: Wm. Bryson, Robert H.
Smith, James Curry, Sr., James Henshaw, Thomas G. Sherrard
and Samuel Watson. The two last named refu.sed to serve; the
other four were ordained and installed ruling elders by the pas-
tor in the church of Laurel Hill.
We have thus endeavored to give a brief histor)- of the
church of Laurel Hill from the beginning, chiefly statistical, of
course, and on that account dry. The general character of its
membership was of the type impressed on the Presbyterianism
of Western Pennsylvania, viz.: Solid, intellectual, evangelical.
True, indeed, this general rule has many exceptions, yet con-
trasted in these particulars with other denominations, the Presby-
44 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
terian church need not hang her head. Yet we have no reason
to boast (God forbid), but the strongest reason for self-abasement
and humihation. And whatever has been auspicious in the gen-
eral character of our educational and religious institutions in
Western Pennsylvania, has been largely influenced by the Pres-
byterian element pervading our population. This is emphatically
true in the matter of education, scientific, linguistic or theologi-
cal. The war-whoop of the savage had scarcely died away
along the banks of the Chartiers, when McMillan began to lay
the foundations of Jefferson College and taught its pupils to
sing : " Tityre, tti patiilae rccubans subtegumine fagir
Having thus briefly noticed Dr. Dunlap, the first pastor of
Laurel Hill, with some of his excellencies and eccentricities, we
pass to notice in a similar way the second pastor. Rev. James
Guthrie. As the name indicates, he, too, was of Scotch-Irish ori-
gin and inherited its usual characteristics, marked, perhaps, with
an occasional exuberance of spirits, enabling him to enjoy a good
joke and a hearty laugh. His social qualities were rather re-
markable, making him quite acceptable to any society in which
duty called him to move.
Mr. Guthrie was four times married. His first wife was a
daughter of Joseph Torrence, one of the first elders installed by
him and of whom we have already spoken, by whom he had but
one son, long since deceased. His second wife was Miss Gal-
lagher, of Dunlap's Creek, with an issue of five children, two
sons and three daughters, who have all long since deceased, save
one, who was long since a member of Laurel Hill, but recently
on the score of proximity, of Dunbar, Pa. His third wife was
the widow Hunter, of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., who lived a very short
time and died without issue. His fourth wife was the widow
Heeson, of Uniontown, at that time a member of the writer's
charge and whose marriage with Mr. Guthrie he solemnized of
course. When a widower the third time and manifestly in search
of a fourth wife, the writer told him he knew a lady in his charge
(Uniontown) that would suit him well, but doubted if he could
get her and on hearing the name he remarked he might try. He
did try and succeeded. And as evidence of his fondness for a
PKESI5VTERY OF REDSTONE. 45
joke, as soon as the ceremony was over he reached out the usual
fee to the officiating minister, which, of course, was promptly re-
fused, when, with a hearty laugh, he said: "Dog don't eat dog."
And wlien twitted, as he occasionally was, with having his fourth
wife, he would promptly answer: "If I should lose the fourth I
would seek a fifth." And personal acquaintance with one of
them, as well as tradition, agree in saying his wives were all pru-
dent, pious, excellent women.
One of the first elders, as we have seen, that Mr. Guthrie or-
dained and installed was Joseph Torrence, a man of mark in his
day, and for many years clerk of session. Mr. Torrence reared
a large and respectable family, one of whom became Judge Tor-
rence, of Cincinnati, whose descendants there are numerous, in-
telligent, wealthy and greatly respected, many of them being
connected with the church of their fathers. The same is, in a
measure, true of his posterity in the line of the Millers and Tor-
rences, of Allegheny and Fayette counties, Pa. Want of space
forbids any special notice of man}' excellent men in the eldership
during the Centennial past. Those elders, with many others,
like those of Hebrews II, "all obtained a good report" when
living, died the death of the righteous, and entered the Gen-
eral Assembly of Heaven. There can be nothing invidious in
the statement that of the class of elders ordained in 1833 ^^^
held a most prominent position for usefulness as an officer of the
church. A gentleman by nature, of unequivocal piety, portly
presence and strong common sense, he was emphatically a pillar
in the church and his loss was most deeply felt.
And still there lingers with us one elected, ordained and in-
stalled in 1826, completing this year his semi-centennial of fifty-
years in the eldership of Laurel Hill, a venerable patriarch of
ninety years, calmly waiting an invitation to go up higher. I
mean D. A. C. Sherrard, Esq., — having lived through three gen-
cration.s — himself the only relic of his own generation left
among us. May his last be his best days and in the time ap-
pointed may he rest in peace. I must here be permitted to say
that having been some forty-six years in the ministry and of
course somewhat largely acquainted with the eldership of the
46 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Presb}'terian church, they constitute as a class, one of the purest,
most intelHgent and conscientious body of men to be found on
the globe and that their influence in church and state is most fa-
vorably and widely felt. (Elder D. A. C. Sherrard died June 3d,
1880, in the ninety-fourth year of his age and fifty-fourth year as
elder of Laurel Hill S. S. B.)
We have thus given a brief history of the Presbyterian
church of Laurel Hill, the best we can do from the material ac-
cessible to us. The sessional records run back to 1833, previous
to which no minutes of session seem to have been kept, or if kept
are now utterly lost. In November, 1840, session thought it high
time to prepare a brief history of the church and from the sources
of information accessible to them compiled substantially the his-
tory you have just read relative to the first pastor. Dr. Dunlap,
and the first elders, John Travis and Samuel Finley, and thence
down to 1833, from which time to the present we have the regu-
lar minutes of the session. In the foregoing history there is, we
acknowledge, a comparative dearth of incident, which is charac-
teristic of the great majority of real congregations. But our
business now is not to make history but to write it.
A fact here I prefer not to write, but which, if omitted, would
leave the history of the congregation imperfect, is this: that
though the salary twenty-six years ago was the usual sum of
$500, this congregation did not, as was generally done, raise the
salary as the price of living rose. This would have been clearly
just, and because just and not done, may not God have had a
controversy with the congregation, withholding His Spirit be-
cause they bring not "the tithes into the store house?" But
the opposite course : bringing "the tithes into the store house,"
that is fully supporting the Gospel, "will open you the windows
of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be
room enough to receive it." True, indeed, occasional showers
and frequent mercy drops from Heaven have in times past visited
the congregation, but not those copious outpourings of the Spirit
that sometimes descend upon more liberal congregations. "The
liberal soul shall be made fat and he that watereth shall be water-
PRKSBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 47
ed also himself." Fidelity to truth and history requires that this
statement, however unpleasant, be recorded.
It is not out of place here to say, what can be said of but few-
congregations lOO years old, that we have had but three pastors
averaging thirtj'-three and a half years each. Whether more
frequent changes in the pastorate would have proven beneficial
or otherwise, must, of course be left to individual decision.
(Prepared by Rev. Joel Stoneroad in the year 1876, the
centennial of Laurel Hill's existence as a church.)
.SUPPLE.MENT TO THE HISTORY OF LAUREL HILL CHURCH,
BY REV. S. S. BERGEN, OCTOBER, 1 887.
Rev. Joel Stoneroad, author of the previous part of this his-
tory, was ordained as pa.stor of Laurel Hill Church in June,
1850, and continued to hold this position until near the close of
the year 1878, a little over twenty-eight years. He resigned in
the spring of that year, but was still acting as Moderator of the
session late in the fall. Feeling the infirmities of age creeping
upon him, he resigned his charge and spent the few remaining
years of his life in his home, near the village of Dunbar, quietly
waiting the summons to come up higher. It was hard for him
to give up the active duties of the ministry and spend so many
years in apparent idleness, but such seems to have been the
Lord's will. I am well satisfied it would have been a great re-
lief to his mind and satisfactory to a large majority of the con-
gregation, if he had had a co-pastor and had been permitted
to preach whenever he felt able. But for some two or three
years before his death he was too feeble for any public effort,
though not confined to his bed. He died August nth, 1884,
and was followed to his final resting place in Laurel Hill grave-
yard, mourned by the whole congregation and hosts of other
friends. His memory is still precious in every household in
Laurel Hill congregation. Truly, "he being dead, yet speaketh."
Mr. Stoneroad was of German descent and was born near
Lewi.stown, Mifflin county. Fa., January 2d, 1806. He graduated
48 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
at Jefferson College, Pa., in 1827 and studied theology in the
Theological department or Seminary of Princeton College, New-
Jersey, taking the full three years' course and receiving a diplo-
ma. His ministry covered a period of nearly fifty years. After
a short service under commission from the Board of Domestic
Missions, he was pastor of the church in Uniontown, F'ayette
county, Pa., for eleven years and afterward of the Cross Roads
Church, Florence, Washington County, Pa., for eight years and
then of Laurel Hill for twenty-eight years. He was a devout
student of God's word. As Rev. L. Y. Graham, who was for
many years intimately associated with him, testified at his funeral,
he was eminently Pauline in his theology and was exceedingly
conscientious in his ministrations in the pulpit and out of it.
The weather was never severe enough to keep him from his ap-
pointments or to prevent him from visiting the sick and dying.
On one occasion one-third of his congregation was converted as
the result of his preaching, but only three persons were present.
As one of the resolutions passed by the congregation at the time
of his resignation declares, he literally wore himself out in the
service of the Master.
Mr. Stoneroad was twice married. His first wife, to whom
he was married, September i ith, 1832, was Miss Rebecca, daugh-
ter of David Veech, of Greene county. Pa., by whom he had two
daughters, the elder being the wife of Rev. T. P. Speer, of Woos-
ter, Ohio, and the younger, Miss Sarah Louisa Stoneroad, who
resides with her sister. His second wife, to whom he was mar-
ried, June 27th, 1854, was Miss Hannah, daughter of Col. James
Paull, of Fayette county. Pa. Of this union are four children —
James Paull, now in New Mexico ; Thomas Lewis, a graduate of
LaFayette College, accidentally drowned a few years ago ; Miss
Mary Belle, at home and Joel T. M., lately attending Wooster
University, Ohio. Mrs. Stoneroad, sometime after Mr. S.'s death,
moved to Wooster, Ohio, where she still resides.
For the first few months of the year 1879, Rev. J. P. Ful-
ton, for eleven years pastor of Dunlap's Creek and McClelland-
town, acted as supply. During his ministration, as the result of
a series of meetings held in the Laurel Hill church and la.sting
PRESBVTERV OF REDSTONE. 49
for several weeks, quite a number were added to the church and
the church members were very much revived. The minutes
show that during his short stay with the church over thirty were
added on examination. After supplying the church for a few
months against the wisli of the congregation, he moved west, to
Kansas, where is still living and serving the Master. The report
comes back that he has become wealth)-, but we are sure that it
is not by preaching.
For a few months after Mr. Fulton left, the congregation
made the mistake, so often made by congregations in these days,
of listening to various candidates. In September, 1879, becom-
ing tired of this and being well satisfied with his ministerial qual-
ifications, &c., the congregation called to the pastorate Rev^ R.
R. Gailey, then and for several years before, pastor of Little
Redstone Church, in the same Presbytery. According to the
records he was installed, September 12th, 1879, and remained
pastor until April i.st, 1882. Then, at his own request, he was
dismissed to the Steubenville Presbytery, within the bounds of
which he still lives and labors.
Before the fires went out in the house now occupied as a
parsonage, the present pastor (Rev. S. S. Bergen), invited by the
congregation to supply the pulpit for a few months, moved in.
After preaching for some two months as supply, he was called to
the pastorate and installed, August 12th, 1882.
Of the elders ordained and installed in 1866, Messrs. Wm.
Bryson, Robert H. Smith and James Curry, Sr., were still living
and serving at the time Mr. Stoneroad resigned in 1878. Also.
Mr. John Wright, formerly an elder in the Presbyterian church
of Monongahela City, was received into the church of Laurel
Hill and elected a ruling elder in July, 1864. James Henshaw,
ordained and installed in 1866, died October 22d, 1878. He was
a godly man, having the confidence of the whole congregation
and died as he lived. He was a great sufferer, dying with can-
cer, but bore it with Christian fortitude. Two of his children, a
son and daughter, still serve the Master in the old church.
James Curry, Sr., died March 2d, 1883, during the present pas-
torate. He was permitted to serve in the eldership the Master
50 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
whom he loved for seventeen years. Five children, two sons and
three daughters survive him. two of whom, a son and daughter,
still serve the Master in the old church. One daughter lives in
New Haven, Pa., and the other two are in the far west. Wm.
Bryson, Robert H. Smith and John Wright are still acting ruling
elders at Laurel Hill.
On April 13th, 1878, Messrs. Joseph Reiner, George Yeag-
ley, and T. H. Smith were ordained and installed as elders. On
November i.st, 1885, Messrs. Jesse A. Oglevie and John John-
son, having been previously chosen by the congregation as
ruling elders, were ordained and installed. August 15th, 1886,
Mr. Henry Cook, formerly an elder in the Little Redstone church,
was installed at Laurel Hill. In January, 1881, Mr. Joseph
Reiner was dismissed to the Presbyterian church of Morgan-
town, West Va., where he still lives and serves his Master as an
elder.
During the latter years of Mr. Stoneroad's pastorate, in
1877, preaching having been kept up in a school house near the
foot of the mountains for many years, a house, 30x40, was built
and named Bethel Chapel. In this house there has been regular
service nearly every other Sabbath afternoon or evening since. This
chapel is some four miles from the church. In August, 1885,
during the present pastorate, another chapel, some six or seven
miles on the opposite side of Laurel Hill, size 30x44, was dedi-
cated and named Stoneroad Chapel, in honor of Rev. Joel Stone-
road, so long pastor of Laurel Hill. Here services are kept up
regularly on alternate Sabbath afternoons or evenings. In the
year before Stoneroad Chapel was built, 1884, Laurel Hill
Church was repaired at an expense of about $500. Bethel
Chapel was also repaired in the same year.
The church of Laurel Hill, in all her history, extending over
a period of about 1 1 1 years, has never had a home for her pas-
tor. Fathers Guthrie and Stoneroad owned homes of their own.
Since that the pastor has been compelled to live in a rented house,
which would be a smaller matter if it were near the church. In
the estimation of the writer and of many others both in and out
of the congregation, a parsonage, convenient to the church, is the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5I
one thing needed, so far as material things arc concerned, to add
to the comfort and efficiency of the pastor and to make Laurel
Hill Church a very desirable charge to one who is not afraid of
hard work in the Master's service. In the language of one of
her elders, now waiting the summons of the Master: "With a
congregation scattered o\er a territory ten b\- fourteen miles,
with over a hundred families to shepherd, with three places of
preaching, involving a ride of from ten to fourteen miles every
Sabbath, it is as little as the congregation can do to thus (b\-
erection of parsonage) make the work as light for the pastor as
possible."'
The first statistical record of number of members that we
have been able to find is in April, 1881, when the number given
is 153. At the time Mr. Fulton ceased his labors it probabK-
numbered as many as i6o, but during Mr. Galley's pastorate a
number of families sold out and moved away, as the result of the
coal excitement. By this means the church was very much
weakened. Since that there has been a gradual increase, the
membership last April being 187. A goodly proportion of this
increase is due to the comparatively new work at Stoneroad
Chapel, though the additions at Laurel Hill from \ear to year
have been gratifying. There has been no revival since the begin-
ning of the present pastorate, and yet few communion seasons
have passed without additions, for which we are devoutly thank-
ful.
While the church has been growing in numbers it has also
been growing in liberality. During Mr. Galley's and the present
pastorate, the complaint made, and no doubt justly, in the previ-
ous part of this history, on the question of salary, would not
hold good. The salary has been nearer what it ought to be
and ever}- year it is paid with increasing promptness. But in the
benevolent work of the church the result is especially gratif}ing.
The year closing April, 1881, the whole amount contributed to
the benevolent work of the church was $221. Year by year
there has been a gratifying increase until last year it became
^5385. And still there is great room for improvement. A part
of this increase in benevolent contributions, is due to the Wo-
52 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
man's Home and Foreign Missionary Society, which last year gave
some ^50 to Home and Foreign Missions, and, besides, made up
a box for a family under the care of the Board of Ministerial Relief
worth ^25, and to the Sabbath School, which gave $50 to Home
and Foreign Missions. When we reach the measure of our abil-
ity and thus the measure of the Lord's requirement, in that de-
gree will the Lord, I believe, open the windows of Heaven and
pour out to us of every spiritual blessing. The Lord loves a cheer-
ful giver, and whom he loves he will certainly bless. There is a
reflex influence in giving, that, while it should not be the only
motive, should not be overlooked.
May the Lord add many centuries, if He delay His coming
so long, to the history of old Laurel Hill Church, and gather
hundreds through her that will shine as stars forever and ev^er.
TYRONE.
BY REV. JOSEPH L. HUNTER.
The first settlers of Tyrone township were Scotch-Irish. In
the midst of these the Tyrone Presbyterian Church was organ-
ized. In the year 1774 Rev. James Power visited this region
and all available records point to the fact that he organized this
church about that time. In October, 1776, he moved from the
East to Dunlap's Creek and from that time on preached frequent-
ly at Tyrone. Barnett Cunningham and James Torrence were
ordained elders by him, not later than 1776 and probably two
years earlier. In the year 1784 he preached one-fourth part of
his time at Tyrone. The next record we have is, that in 1793
Tyrone was vacant. All the pastoral care this church received
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 53
for the first twenty-eight or thirty years was given it by Dr. Pow-
er. The next minister was Dr. James Dunlap, who was Stated
Supply for an unknown period, prior to 1803.
Rev. James Guthrie was the first installed pastor. He was a
native of Westmoreland county, small of stature and of a ner-
vous temperament. He divided his time between Tyrone and
Laurel Hill, where he was ordained, April 17th, 1805. He Avas
four times married, twice to daughters of his elders. He was
pastor of three churches a little over fifty years. On the 5th of
June, 1850, Rev. Joel Stoneroad was installed as co-pastor over
the two churches. Mr. Guthrie died within three months after
this and Mr. Stoneroad became sole pastor until 1864, when he
resigned his pastoral charge over Tyrone and gave his whole
time to Laurel Hill. About this time the church enjoyed for a
short time the ministerial services of Rev. George Paull, a licen-
tiate under appointment as a Foreign Missionary. On the ist
Monday of June, 1864, Rev. W. L. Boyd, then pastor of Sewick-
ley Church, was installed over Tyrone for one-third of his time.
Rev. Joel Stoneroad preached the sermon. Rev. W. F. Hamilton
presided and charged the pastor and Rev. N. H. G. Fife charged
the people. This pastorate was a period of growth in the con-
gregation and continued for three years.
From 1867 to 1871 another vacancy occurred, during which
time the church had occasional supplies. On the 27th of July.
1 87 1, Rev. Thos. S. Parke was installed over Tyrone and Har-
mony, a relation which lasted until 1875. When Mr. Parke left,
Rev. J. H. Stevenson became pastor and continued to exercise
the duties of his office among us until the fall of 1883. It was
during the time of his pastorate that the church of Dawson was
dissolved and the membership added to Tyrone.
From 1883 to 1885, Rev. N. G. White acted as Stated Sup-
ply. The next two years the church was almost entirely with-
out supplies, having had but four days' preaching in all that time.
As might be supposed, there was very little spiritual life remain-
ing at the end of that time. But during the "week of prayer,"
commencing on the first Sabbath of January, 1888, there was a
gracious awakening. Mr. Wm. ¥. Gault, the only elder left in
54 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
the church began a series of meetings which lasted twenty-four
days and resulted in the conversion of twenty-four souls. One
peculiarity of the meetings was that they were conducted mainl}-
by Mr. Gault himself, without any ministerial assistance ; the)'
were brought to a close only when this faithful elder was worn
out and all within reach had been brought into the fold of Christ.
Such is the poAver of God's Spirit if man will only do his part.
The church now revived and awakened, determined to call a pas-
tor. Accordingly on May 8th, 1888, Mr. Joseph L. Hunter was
ordained and installed pastor over the united churches of Tyrone
and Dawson. The meeting which ordained Mr. Hunter was the
first meeting of Presbytery ever held at Tyrone. Mr. Wm. Lint
was elected a ruling elder and installed on the 24th of the follow-
ing June. The church at that time had two elders, viz.: Mr.
Gault and Mr. Lint; a membership of seventy-one and a Sab-
bath School in a flourishing condition. Of the different houses
of worship, something, perhaps, ought to be said. The first two
houses were made of logs, the last being an improvement on the
first in being constructed of hewn logs. On the 4th of June,
1852, a brick house was erected and dedicated to the worship of
God, but on account of a bad foundation the congregation did
not enjoy it long. This building soon gave way and on the 4th
of May, 1873, the present substantial brick structure was dedi-
cated and set apart for religious worship. The church has had
in all twenty-five elders, viz. : Barnett Cunningham and James
Torrence, the original elders of the organization ; the first died,
September 13th, 1808; the latter died, May 12th, 1826, having
served in the eldership for fifty years. The next in order are
Robert Smith, James Goudy, John Cummings, John Cooly, Wm.
Huston, .son of Col. Joseph Huston ; Frank Vance, Wm. Smith,
Jo.seph H. Cunningham, Hugh Torrence, oldest son of James;
Alex. Johnston, Cunningham Torrence, Nathaniel Hurst, John
Stouffer, Joseph Gault, who served the church fortj'-four years;
Barnett Cunningham, a grandson of the original Barnett, who
served the church thirty-four years; Wm. V. Hurst, Henry C.
Boyd, Wm. F. Gault, Jonathan Merritt, T. R. De Yarman and
Wm. Lint. Tyrone has had on an average not more than one-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 55
third of a pastor's time during her existence, yet how blessed the
results. This was one of the first churches in all this region of
country. In earK' days many came to the Sabbath services from
Indian Creek, fifteen miles distant, and some came from beyond
Jacob's Creek. Tyrone is the mother of the churches of Con-
nellsville, Dunbar, Scottdale. Dawson, Indian Creek and Har-
mony; the la.st two dissolved. It is impossible to sum up all the
results of the preaching of the Gospel here. The average salarj^
paid by Tyrone to her pastors for the service rendered has been
about $200 per year. Had a more liberal policy been pursued
and the church better supplied with preaching, possibly Tyrone
to-day would be self-supporting.
ROUND HILL.
BY REV. B. T. DEWITT.
The early history of Round Hill is derived entirely from
tradition. The Rev. James Finley visited this region and preach-
ed to the scattered white inhabitants about 1772. From this
time till 1783, he occasionally returned to nurture and confirm
what he had begun. During one of these visits he organized the
churches of Rehoboth and Round Hill on the same day. This
was probably in 1778. During this period the inhabitants were
in great fear on account of hostile Indians. The.se churches be-
gan their existence in a time of great peril and distress. The
alarms of war between the United States and the Indians re-
sounded throughout this entire region. That must have been a
period of distress when flour sold for sixteen dollars a barrel and
bacon for one dollar a pound.
56 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
In 1784, Round Hill and Rehoboth regularly settled as pas-
tor, Rev. Jas. Finley, his services being equally divided between
them. Round Hill included at this time an extensive territory,
embracing the present parishes of Mt. Vernon and West Eliza-
beth and a part of McKeesport, Lebanon and Monongahela City,
and on Sabbath days a very large congregation gathered here
from all this region. By the death of Rev. James Finley, Janu-
ar}' 6th, 1795, these churches became vacant and continued so for
two )/ears or more, when the Rev. David Smith was installed
over them. He continued their pastor till his death, August
24th, 1803. During the last year of his ministry these churches
were visited with a gracious revival of religion, accompanied
with remarkable manifestations called at that time "the falling
down work."
Mr. Smith was succeeded in this pastorate by Rev. Wm.
Wylie, D. D., in 1805. There were then about 130 communi-
cants in the two churches together. Mr. Wylie continued pas-
tor until the spring of 1817, when he was dismissed at his own
request.
In the following June, the Rev. Robt. Johnston became their
pastor. This relation was dissolved as respects Round Hill in
October, 1831.
In July, 1833, Rev. N. H. Gillett became the Stated Supply
of these two churches until December, 1834, when he was in-
stalled pastor. In 1841 he was dismissed from Round Hill at
his own request, Rehoboth having given him a call for the whole
of his services. Thus ended the union of Rehoboth and Round
Hill in one pastorate. Round Hill then had 108 communicants.
Round Hill called and settled as pastor. Rev. Wm. Eaton,
in 1 841. He remained their pastor until April, 1844, when at
his own request he was dismissed. During his pastorate twenty-
six were received to membership on examination and three by
certificate.
In 1845 Rev. Adley Calhoun was ordained and installed
pastor of Round Hill. He was removed by death i;i the spring
of 1848. During his brief ministr}' there were added to the
church fort}'-five on examination and thirteen by certificate.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 5/
The church was very prosperous at this time both temporally
and spiritually.
The congregation of Round Hill was supplied by licentiates
until the spring of 1851, when Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D., was
called to be their pastor. He was installed, June loth, 1851.
He resigned and was dismissed in 1855. During his pastorate
thirty were received into church membership on examination and
thirty-eight by letter. In 1851 Round Hill congregation built in
the town of Elizabeth a large and commodious brick edifice.
From that time until the present they have worshiped alternately
in the two edifices. In 1854 Round Hill contained 140 commu-
nicants.
Rev. James Martin became pastor of this church in 1857.
His pastoral relation was dissolved in June, 1863. During his
pastorate fifty-three were received to church membership on ex-
amination and eighteen by certificate.
Rev. J. Logan Sample was called in September, 1863. He
was ordained and installed, June 14th, 1864. The pastoral re-
lation was dissolved in 1866. During his pastorate 105 were re-
ceived to membership on examination and ele\'en by certificate.
While he was pastor a great revival occurred.
In May, 1867, Rev. W. L. Boyd was installed pastor. He
was released from this relation in October, 1870. During his
pastorate nineteen were added on examination and twenty-six by
certificate.
In June, 1872, Rev. J. B. Dickey, was installed pastor. He
was released from this relation in June, 1877. During the first
year of his ministry the congregation built in Elizabeth a large
and beautiful brick parsonage. During his pastorate eighty-four
were received to membership on examination and forty six b\-
certificate.
After Mr. Dickey's dismissal the church was supplied for
about a year b)^ a licentiate.
On January 20th, 1880, Rev. J. D. Shanks was installed pas-
tor. In December, 1883, he was dismissed at his own request.
In June, 1885, the present pastor. Rev. B. T. DeWitt, was
installed. Additions since, twent)'; whole number of communi-
cants, 174.
58 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE,
REHOBOTH.
BY REV. S. F. FARMER, D. D.
The Presbyterian church of Rehoboth was organized about
the year 1778, by Rev. James Finley, a member of the Presby-
tery of New Castle, who had been doing occasional missionary
work in the neighborhood for some two years.
In the year 1784, Mr. Finley became pastor of this church,
in connection with Round Hill, in the then lately organized Pres-
bytery of Redstone. Mr. Finley continued pastor of the.se
churches till the time of his death, January 6th, 1795. His abil-
ity and faithfulness as a minister of the Gospel greatly endeared
him to the people of his charge. His work was evidently of the
kind that abides. He was the father of a church whose good in-
fluence has lived and grown for a century. His memory is held
in reverence, not only by the church, but the neighborhood.
"He rests from his labors and his works do follow him."
After the death of Mr. Finley the church remained vacant
about two years, when Rev. David Smith became its pastor.
The pastorate of Mr. Smith continued about six years. The last
of these years was made memorable by a very remarkable out-
pouring of the Spirit of God upon the church of Rehoboth, as
also upon most of the neighboring churches. The preaching of
the word was accompanied by a power, under which many per-
sons fell prostrate and others cried aloud under a sense of guilt.
At that memorable period, while in the vigor of his manhood
and in the midst of his usefulness, the minister was called from
his earthly labors to that "rest which remaineth for the people of
God." He died, August 24th, 1803.
Mr. Smith was succeeded by Rev. William Wylie, who was
installed in 1805 ^^'^<^ continued pastor of the church about
twelve years. At that time the two churches, Rehoboth and
Round Hill, numbered about 130 members. During the pastor-
ate of Mr. W\'lie the church did not increase, but rather dimin-
ished in numbers, although Mr. Wylie was a man of more than
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 59
ordinary ability; brilliant as an orator and diligent as a pastor.
The reason of the lack of increase no doubt was, that durin<;-
those years many of the people moved west. Mr. W'ylie was, at
his own request, released in the spring of 181 7.
In June, of the same year, Rev. Robert Johnston became
pastor of the churches of Rehoboth and Round Hill. The
records of session show that the church of Rehoboth had at
that time sixty-six members and Round Hill fift\-three. During"
the pastorate of Mr. Johnston, a period of fifteen years, several
revivals occurred and the membership of these churches was
nearly doubled. Mr. Johnston was released from the pastoral
charge of the church of Round Hill in October, 1831, and of
Rehoboth in December, 1832.
Rev. N. H. Gillet began to preach as supply in July, 1833.
and was installed as pastor in December, 1834. Several seasons
of revival were enjoyed during the pastorate of Mr. Gillett. At
one communion thirty persons were added to the church by ex-
amination. In 1 841 Mr. Gillett was released from the pastoral
charge of the Round Hill Church and accepted a call from Re-
hoboth for the whole of his time and in 1848 he was, at his own
request, released from the pastoral charge of the church of Re-
hoboth. In 1849 Rev. James R. Hughes was installed pastor of
the church of Rehoboth. During the pastorate of Mr. Hughes
157 persons were added to the membership of the church. He
was dismissed at his own request and removed from Rehoboth
in 1865, to take charge of a female seminary at Blairsville, Pa.
Mr. Hughes was succeeded b)- Rev. Loyal Young Graham,
who was installed as pastor of Rehoboth Church, October nth.
1865. After a pastorate of six years. Mr. Graham was dismissed
at his own request, to accept a call to the 01i\et Presbyterian
Church, Philadelphia.
Mr. Graham was succeeded by Rev. G. M. Hair, whose in-
stallation took place, December 20th. 1872. During the minis-
try of Mr. Hair, which continued one year and five months, for-
ty-eight persons were added to the church.
The next pastor was Rev. Marcus Wishart, who was in-
.stalled, October 28th, 1874, and continued pastor of the church
6o PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
until April 24th, 1877, when he was dismissed at his own request.
The church remained vacant only till August 30th, of the
same j^ear, when Rev. A. F. Boyd, having received and accepted
a call, was installed as its pastor. At a called meeting of the
Presbytery, held at West Newton, December nth, 1883, at the
request of Mr. Boyd, the pastoral relation between him and the
church was dissolved, his pastorate having continued six years
and five months.
After remaining vacant some nine months, the church ex-
tended a call to Rev. W. G. Nevin. Mr. Nevin accepted the call
and was installed, October 28th, 1884. Mr. Nevin's pastorate
continued two years and three months, at the expiration of which
time, February ist, 1887, he was, at his own request, dismissed to
accept a call to the Presbyterian church of Sharon, Pa., where
he is now laboring.
The present pastor. Rev. S. F. Farnier, D. D., was called
unanimously by the church of Rehoboth, April 30th, 1887, and
his installation took place, June 30th. of the same year.
LONG RUN.
BY REV. C. P. CHEESEMAN.
History, the accurate record of the past, is an interesting
study, whether it relates to church or state. From small begin-
nings, our nation has grown to vast proportions. And the same
is true of the Presbyterian church in America, and yet it is a fact,
in some respects sad, that many of the churches numerically
strong in the early days, have weakened, with advancing years,
until to-day they are scarcely self-supporting. But when we re-
member the good done, the swarms that have gone out from the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 6 1
old hives, we are encouraged to believe these very churches are
deserving our most tender care.
The church of Long Run is said to date as early as Red-
stone Presbytery, 1781. Very soon after the organization of
the Presbytery, Long Run appeared and asked for supplies, and
thereafter for eleven or twelve years this church was supplied
with the Gospel without having a pastor. It is not strange they
were so long vacant, in view of the great scarcity of ministers in
those days.
The Rev. Jas. Finley was, probably, the first supply. Men-
tion is made of Revs. Jno. Clark, Jno. Brice, Jno. McFerrin and
John McMillan, as supplies.
On Thursday, April 21st, 1790, there appeared a young man
before Presb3'tery by the name of Wm. Swan, who asked to be
put upon trial with a view to be licensed to preach the Gospel.
He was examined on Experimental Religion and Theology and
the Presbytery being satisfied, assigned him subjects on which to
prepare. He passed the various parts of trial assigned him to
the satisfaction of Presbytery, and on the 22d day of December,
1791, Mr. Swan was licensed to preach the Gospel, He was then
appointed to supply at Long Run on the fourth Sabbath of
March, the first Sabbath of June and the second Sabbath of Au-
gust, 1792. The services of Mr. Swan seem to have been
much demanded, for at the meeting of Presbytery, held at Pigeon
Creek, on the i6th of October, 1792, he had four calls put into
his hands, viz.: P'rom the united congregations of Bethel and
PLbenezer, Mingo and Horseshoe Bottom, Long Run and Se-
wickley, Mill Creek and King's Creek.
At the meeting of Presbytery held April 17th, 1793, Mr.
Swan accepted the calls from Long Run and Sewickley. Pres-
bytery assigned Mr. Swan Rom. 3:31 as a subject for ordination
sermon, and at a meeting of Presbytery held at Long Run, Oc-
tober 15th, 1793, he was ordained to the full work of the Gospel
Ministry and installed pastor of Long Run and Sewickley. Dr.
McMillan preached the sermon from the text. Is. 62:6: "I have
set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never
hold their peace day nor night, ye that make mention of the
62 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Lord, keep not silence. And give him no rest, till he establish
and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth;" truly, a happy
theme for such an occasion. Of these united congregations, Mr.
Swan remained pastor for a period of twenty-five years.
At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Polk Run, June 30th,
1 8 18, the sacred ties that held pastor and people in intimate
union for a quarter of a century were severed, but it is recorded
that at the spring meeting of Presbytery the following year,
April 20th, 1 8 19, Mr. Swan was recalled to the pastorate of Long
Run alone. Being in poor health he was not able to do full
work and was aided somewhat by supplies sent by Presbytery.
Declining health compelled him to resign, April i6th, 1822.
The first pastor of Long Run, therefore, served them during a
period of twenty-eight years. Mr. Swan was a native of Cum-
berland, now Franklin county. Pa. He received his education at
Canonsburg. What the growth of the church was under his
ministry we can not ascertain. But no doubt his work was a
good one and his labors acceptable. Dr. Smith, in "Old Red-
stone," says: "In the year 1804, and for some time afterward,
Mr. Swan's congregations were visited with special outpourings
of God's Spirit, and considerable numbers were added to the
church. Mr. Swan's health continued to decline and on the 7th
of November, 1827, he fell asleep in Jesus in the sixty-fourth
year of his age. He was buried in the Long Run graveyard and
'his sepulchre is with us to this day.' "
The church now remained vacant for a period of three years,
during which time it was supplied, in part, by the Presbytery and
in part b)' ministers from other Presbyteries.
At a meeting of Presbytery, held at Beulah, October 19th,
1824, the congregation presented a call for the ministerial ser-
vices of Mr. Alexander McCandlass for two-thirds of his time,
at a salary of ^300. At the same meeting the congregation of
McKeesport presented a call for one-third of Mr. McCandlass'
time, offering him a salary of $1$^- These calls were accepted
and at the next meeting of Presbytery, April 19th, 1825, held at
Long Run, he was ordained and installed over these congrega-
tions. Mr. McCandlass served these people for twelve years.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, 63
In October, 1837, he resigned the charge of McKeesport and
leave was granted the congregation of Long Run to employ him
the whole of his time. But the following year, owing to the state
of his health, Mr. McCandlass asked to be released from Long
Run. His request was granted, but at the meeting of Presby-
tery held, October 2d, 1838, the congregation asked and obtained
leave to employ Mr. McCandlass as Stated Supply for six-
months. And after an experience of twelve years as pastor and
six months as supply, the congregation concluded to recall Mr.
McCandlass. He accepted the call and Rev. Messrs. Johnson
and Montgomery were appointed a committee to install him.
This relation continued till April 8th, 1845.
Mr. McCandlass' pastorate extended over a period of twenty
years. It is impossible to ascertain what was the condition and
growth of the church during the time it was united with Mc-
Keesport. The statistical tables for that period, included both
congregations, just as if they had been one. But during the time
Mr. McCandlass was pastor of Long Run alone, the church
seems to have been in its most prosperous condition. This is
the period when the membership reached the highest number
and when the contributions of the church were the largest. In
1839 the membership was 228. From that to 1844, there was a
.steady growth, when the number reached 272. Upon one or
two occasions during this period, there were added as many as
twenty on examination. Long Run was Mr. McCandlass' first
and onl}' charge. After his release from his pastoral work he
spent some time in New Jersey, after which he went to Monroe
county, Ohio, where he died on the loth of April, 1848.
Mr. McCandlass was succeeded as pastor of this church by
Rev. W. D. Moore. Indeed, the congregation could hardly be
said to be vacant at all; for at the same meeting at which the
pastoral relation between Mr. McCandlass and this church was
dissolved, a call was presented for the services of Mr. W. D.
Moore, then a licentiate, under the care of the Presbytery of
Ohio.
This call was accepted and Presbytery met at Long Run,
June nth, 1845, to ordain and install the pastor elect. In this
64 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
service Rev. Jos. B. McKee preached the sermon, Rev. Saml.
Wilson presided and deHvered the charge to the pastor, and Rev.
Jas. I. Brownson gave the charge to the people. The pastorate
of Mr. Moore continued a httle over four years and then termi-
nated, neither at his own request nor that of the congregation.
This unusual transaction is explained in the following manner :
Mr. Moore received, in the year 1849, calls from the united
churches of Greensburg and Mt. Pleasant, and not being able to
decide what his duty was in the matter, left the question in the
hands of Presbytery to answer; they assumed this responsible
duty and advised Mr. Moore to accept the calls, and at once dis-
solved the relation existing between the Long Run congregation
and Mr. Moore. Against this action of Presbytery, Long Run
remonstrated. Mr. Moore had a hold on the hearts of the peo-
ple, which but few pastors are able to gain. He was a man of
scholarly attainments, an earnest and eloquent preacher.
The congregation now remained vacant about one year and
a half, when they gave a call to Rev. F. A. Shearer. Mr. Shear-
er remained with this people less than one year. He was in-
stalled, June 19th, 185 1. Rev. Jas. R. Hughes preached the
sermon. Dr. Jos. Smith presided and charged the pastor and
Rev. W. D. Moore charged the people. The following Septem-
ber, 1 85 1, Mr. Shearer was released from this charge. It seems
this pastorate was entered upon with a good deal of opposition
and for this reason so soon terminated. The difficulties in this
church had assumed such proportions it became necessary, in
the judgment of Presbytery, to take some action ; and this the
Presbytery did in writing a letter to the church and also holding
a meeting of Presbytery in the church. Their efforts seem to
have been blessed.
On the 22d of September, 1852, the congregation called to
be their pastor, Mr. J. A. Means, and on October 19th, of the
same year, Mr. Means was ordained and installed over Long
Run Church. The ministry of this brother was brief His
work for the Master was, however, done, and he said : "It is
enough." Mr. Means died, June 3d, 1854, not quite twenty-six
years old, having been ordained to the full work of the ministry
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 65
and having" served this church as its pastor not quite two years.
The November following the death of Mr. Means, the con-
gregation extended to Rev. S. M. C. Anderson, a call, which Mr.
Anderson declined to accept.
The congregation remained vacant till March 19th, 1855,
when they called Mr. Alex. McGaughey, who accepted the call,
and at a meeting of Presbytery, held at Long Run, May i6th.
1855, Mr. McGaughey was ordained and installed. He opened
Presbytery with a sermon on the subject assigned him, Eph. 3:8.
Rev. Jas. R. Hughes preached, Rev. Dr. West presided and
charged the pastor and Rev. C. C. Riggs gave the charge to the
people. This pastorate continued about eight years. Mr. Mc-
Gaughey offered his resignation in April, 1862, but the congrega-
tion refused to accept it and he remained pastor till near the close
of the following year, when he felt it to be his duty to resign,
which he did and was released from the pastoral labors of this
church.
Mr. McGaughey was succeeded by Rev. W. D. Moore, who
had served this congregation as its third pastor. Mr. Moore was
elected February 1st, 1 864, but was not installed and served the
church as Stated Supply. This was owing to the disturbed con-
dition of the country. Mr. Moore could not get his letter from
the Southern Presbytery, where he had been preaching, and in
addition to this Long Run had granted him leave of absence for
one year to serve as chaplain in the army. Mr. Moore preached
for some time after his return from the army, but soon drifted
into politics and being defeated in his early aspirations he entered
the practice of law, and to this day practices his profession in
the city of Pittsburgh.
The next pastor of this church was Rev. N. H. G. Fife, who
was installed, June 23d, 1868. At this service Rev. Watson
Hughes, presided; Rev. O. H. Miller, preached; Rev. J. M. Bar-
nett, charged the pastor, and Rev. W. W. Ralston, the people.
Rev. Mr. Fife was pastor of this church a little over five years.
He offered his resignation, September 25th, 1873, which was at
first declined by the congregation, but upon the urgent request
66 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
of Mr. Fife, the congregation reconsidered their action and grant-
ed his request. The pastorate of Mr. Fife is said to have been
very harmonious.
Rev. John W. Little became the next pastor. He was in-
stalled, May, 1874. Rev. J. W. Wightman preached the ser-
mon, Rev. J. B. Dicky charged the pastor and Rev. Henry Ful-
ton the people.
March 21st, 1875, Mr. Little offered his resignation. With his
request the congregation complied and the church was once more
vacant and remained so till November 25th, 1875, when the con-
gregation extended to Rev. W. P. Moore, a call, which he ac-
cepted and was installed, June 13th, 1876. Rev. W. F. Ewing
preached, Rev. J. W. Wightman delivered the charge to the pas-
tor and the Rev. R. T. Price the charge to the people; Rev. W.
P. Moore was pastor of this church seven years.
April 20th, 1883, the congregation made out a call for the
services of the present pastor, C. P. Cheeseman, who was ordain-
ed and installed, June, 1883. Rev. J. D. Shanks presided; Rev.
J. C. Meloy preached the sermon; Rev. A. Z. McGogney
charged the pastor and Rev. Geo. H. Johnson, the people. This
congregation has had ten pastors, which is truly a good record,
when we remember the circumstances. One fact is worthy of re-
mark; they recalled the first three — Swan, McCandlass and W.
D. Moore. Six of these ten, namely : Swan, McCandlass, W.
D. Moore, Means, McGaughey and Cheeseman, came to this
field as their first charge and were here ordained to the work of
the Gospel Ministry. Four of these have been called from earth,
namely — Swan, McCandlass, Means and McGaughey.
We have heard it remarked, and for some time thought it
true, that Long Run changes pastors very frequently. Let us
see — three of the ten remained as long as health would permit —
almost to the end of their lives; two more could have remained
as long as they wished, it would seem. Indeed, the people of
this congregation are slow to part with the pastors whom they
have chosen.
The following is as correct a list as could be .secured of those
who have served as ruling elders in this church: Jos. Collins,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 67
John Barns, Adam Kuhn, Jas. Cowan. Robt. Fulton. David
Fleming, Jas. Caldwell. John Gray, Jas. Gray, Boyd Ward, Saml.
Fleming, Andrew Christy, Saml. Black, R. M. Cavett, J. J. Cow-
an, Wm. Weston, Mathew Hawkins, John Lynch, Jas. Simpson,
David Kuhn, Jos. Perkins, Jas. Black, Finley Byerley, Wm. Ford,
J. M. Brown, J. M. Shaner.
The records bear witne.ss to the faithfulness of the eldership.
They have been men of real worth, who dared to do right.
True, they were not always right, but their aim was to keep pure
the church and advance the cause of Christ. Their names will
go down to their children's children in honorable mention.
The Sabbath School was organized about 1823. by Mr. Jas.
Cowan, and has been kept up, in the summer season ever since.
Mr. Swan organized in his day a week-day Bible Class, which he
taught as long as health permitted.
Our duty would not be done in this brief work, should we
fail to mention the organization and maintenance of the Ladies' For-
eign and Home Mi.ssionary Societies. In the work of the Lord
they have taken a lively interest and are adding year by year to
the motive power of the church. Their work is the quiet kind
that tells for good.
The church of Long Run has passed through about one
hundred and seven years of recorded time. How great the
changes and how many, in both church and state ! The first
preaching was out of doors, under the shadow of the great oaks.
There Finley and Clark and McMillan preached Christ to anxious
souls, burdened with the same infirmities that hinder our pro-
gress in our journey to the promised Canaan.
The first meeting house was a log building, the second was
of brick, near the site of the present house of worship. The
present church building was erected during W. D. Moore's
second ministry among the people.
In the preparation of this history the writer is greatly in-
debted to the Rev. W. P. Moore, now of Fredricksburgh, Ohio.
68 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
JEFFERSON.
BY REV. JOHN m'CLINTOCK.
Of the early history of this church there are no available ma-
terials extant. It is supposed to have existed at the time or soon
after the organization of Redstone Presbytery.
As early as October, 1783, the South Fork of Tenmile is
mentioned in the minutes of the Presbytery, at which time Rev.
Thaddeus Dodd and afterward other ministers were appointed
supplies. As Jefferson is located on the South Fork of Tenmile
and no other church in the Presbytery is mentioned by that
name, the inference is that was then the name of the church.
This seems the more probable from the fact of the contiguity of
Jefferson to Muddy Creek or New Providence Church, the two
being often spoken of in conjunction when supplies were appoint-
ed. In a statistical report made to Presbytery in April, 1824,
the total membership of the church, as stated, was thirty. At the
beginning of Mr. McClintock's pastorate, in 1839, there were
some twenty-five members : ten males and fifteen females. The
ruling elders were Abijah McClain, John Gilland and Henry
Black. It was not till April, 1 841, a call for the one-third time
of Mr. McClintock's time on a salary of ;^ioo was made out,
which being accepted. Rev. William Johnson and Rev. Samuel
Wilson were appointed to officiate at the installation, which oc-
curred on the 29th of June, 1841. This relation continued up
to April nth, 1849, when, at the request of the pastor, it was
dissolved, that he might give his whole time to New Provi-
dence Church. Being thus left vacant, the church of Jefferson
united with Waynesburg Church and was statedly supplied for
some time by Rev. J. Y. Calhoun, but again became vacant and
had only occasional supplies.
In 1854 application was again made for part of the time of
the pastor of New Providence Church, who consented to become
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 69
Stated Supply and continued to serve in this relation till May,
1866. The whole period of service there, including his pastorate
and term of supply, was about twenty years.
In 1870, Rev. Asahel Bronson, D. D., then serving the
church of Waynesburg, became Stated Supply part of his time.
Dr. Bronson continued to supply that church for some three
years. He was succeeded as Stated Supply by Rev. John W.
Scott, D. D., in 1874. His term of service was about seven
years. Being one of the Professors of the College at Jefferson,
the Dr. was accustomed to preach only on alternate Sabbaths,
which, at his advanced age, he found to be as much as he could
well do.
The cemetery ground and the lot on which the church in
Jefferson stands, were conveyed by deed of Mr. Thomas Hughes,
an old residenter of that place, to trustees, for the use and bene-
fit of the Presbyterian congregation.
The building occupied by worshipers in 1839 was a clumsy,
antiquated frame, with one door in the side and a broad aisle
leading to the pulpit, in front of which there was a stove, only
about four feet distant, the steam of which, when heated, was lit-
tle less than suffocating to the speaker. As nearly as I can re-
member, the dimensions of the house were 25x30 feet, with up-
right seats, some of which were claimed as the property of occu-
pants. In this house, trying to the flesh, they continued to wor-
ship for several years, when at the urgent request of the pastor,
it was torn down and the present neat and comfortable brick
building was erected at a cost of about $1,100.00. It is some
30x35 feet and stands upon a solid rock. Not a few of the wor-
•shipers, we trust, who once gladly made it the place of their re-
sort, have long since been translated to seats in the upper temple.
During Mr. McClintock's ministrations at Jefferson, there
were sixty additions, forty-eight on examination and twelve on
certificate.
In Dr. Bronson's time six were admitted on examination and
in Dr. Scott's time twenty on examination and eight on certifi-
JO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
cate, making altogether ninety-four. Mr. McClintock's bap-
tisms there were: infants, twenty-eight; adults, twenty-five; mak-
ing fifty-three; other baptisms, fourteen; total, sixty-seven.
The marriages solemnized were eleven. Deaths during his time
and the time of others, thirty-eight. Dismissions, twenty. Left
without certificate, ten.
During Dr. Scott's ministrations, contributions for benevo-
lent objects, in seven years, as reported on the minutes, were
$151.00. What may have been done during the ministry of
others is not reported in the sessional records and cannot now be
stated.
For many years there has been a Sabbath School in con-
nection with the church; also a Ladies' Missionary Society. At
present, however, the latter, we think, has been disbanded.
From the foregoing narrative, it will be seen that the Jeffer-
son Church has at no time been in a flourishing condition. To
this result, inconstant supplies and other causes have doubtless
contributed. Probably not more than twenty members can now
be counted as enrolled. The present elders comprise Mr. James
Eaton and Samuel Braden.
One of the former elders, Charles Gilland, made a donation
to the church for the support of the Gospel of the sum of
$1,000.00 and Mary Gilland, his sister, left a legacy of $500.00
for the same purpose, the interest only to be used.
We omitted to state in the proper place that Rev. Wm. Mc-
Clintock Eaton, one of the sons of Jefferson church, in the year
1 884 served the church as Stated Supply several months. In his
time, two persons were, on examination, admitted to membership.
At sundry times additions were made to the eldership.
In 1843, David Bell and Wm. Cree, having been chosen,
were, on the second Sabbath of September, ordained and installed.
November 22, 1858, Charles Gilland and Thomas Scott were ad-
ded to the number. Again, January 28th, 1872, James Gil-
land and James Eaton were inducted into the ofifice of ruling el-
der. Afterward Samuel Braden was elected, having previously
been ordained to the office.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 7 1
NEW PROVIDENCE.
BY REV. JOHN M CLINTOCK.
The locality of this church is said to be the oldest settled
west of the Monongahela river.
In his secular history of southwestern Pennsylvania, the
Hon. James Veech says: "Of its river border, that formed by
the Monongahela was the soonest settled; and of this, that por-
tion which after 1767 was found to be in Pennsylvania was the
earliest. This was the settlement on Muddy Creek, in (now)
Greene county, spreading out northwards toward Tenmile and
southwards towards Whiteley Creeks. Like the early settlers in
corresponding parts of Fayette county, they had come mostly from
the Potomac borders of Maryland and Virginia, the Kittatinny
Valley, a few from the Nursery and some from Ireland. John
Armstrong's, where Rev. Dr. McMillan preached his second ser-
mon in the West, was on Muddy Creek, and in that vicinity is
the oldest Presbyterian church in Greene county, for a while the
only one. Mr. Armstrong was, doubtless, an acquaintance of Dr.
McMillan. Lower down the river in choice locations and up its
large affluents, settlements were easily formed. Old Virginia
had for a long time made a special business of persecuting the
Baptists. Hence, they took refuge on Muddy Creek, Whiteley
and Tenmile, lower down on Pikerun and Peter's Creek, at an
early day, when they were ministered to by Elders Corbley and
the Sutton brothers."
In this beautiful valley, washed by the waters of the Monon-
gahela, our Presbyterian forefathers sought for themselves a
home amid the wild woods, set up their altars, planted the stand-
ard of the cross and began work for Christ. Theirs was a dan-
gerous, as well as a difficult and laborious task. P'or many suc-
cessive years these border settlements were subjected to trials
and hardships, which none but hardy pioneers could well sur-
mount. Besides enduring untold privations, they were annoyed
72 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
by a constant feeling of insecurity, arising from the stealthy and
frequent incursions of the much dreaded Indian. On assembUng
for rehgious services, it was no uncommon thing for the men to
carry with them their trusty rifles, ready for defense. If the cul-
ture and polish of those early times were less conspicuous and
graceful than the present, the defect was more than compensated
by a robustness which served largely to give power of endurance
and stability of character, qualities indispensable in that formative
period.
The early settlers were thus better able to breast the storm
and bear the winter's severity when houses of worship were few
and far between. In allusion to those early times, Doddridge,
the author of "Notes on the Life and Manners of the Western
Settlers," says: "It was no disparagement to them that their
churches were the shady groves and their pulpit a kind of tent
constructed of a few rough slabs and covered with clapboards."
Keeping in mind these things, we shall be better able to
comprehend the situation and properly estimate the preliminary
work done by our heroic ancestors and feel more sensibly our
obligations to them for the precious heritage which, through their
toils and prayers, has come down to us.
Prior to the year 1840 there are no available sessional re-
cords of New Providence Church, from which materials can
now be gathered for historical detail. Up to that date the chief
sources of information are fragmentary items gleaned from the
records of the Presbyteries of Redstone and Ohio, together with
oral statements, the most reliable that could be obtained from
persons living and connected with the church.
At the organization of Redstone Presbytery, in September,
1 78 1, Muddy Creek congregation, jointly with the South Fork
of Ten Mile, made application for supplies. Being then recog-
nized as a church, its informal organization seems to have been
.several years before that date. On the records of the Presby-
tery, it is distinguished by the two names. Muddy Creek and
New Providence. It has also been popularly called the Glade's
Church. As appears from the Presbyterial records for several
successive years. Revs. James Power, John McMillan, Thaddeus
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 73
Dodd, James Dunlap, Joseph Patterson and John Brice, a licen-
tiate, were appointed supphes.
April, 1789, New Providence Church united in a call with
the South Fork of Tenniile for the ministerial labors of Rev.
James Hughes, which he declined to accept.
From September of the same year, till some time in 1790,
licentiates John McPherrin, John Brice, Robert Marshall and
Revs. James Dunlap and James Hughes, officiated as supplies.
They were succeeded by Rev. Robert Finley, a minister from
North Carolina.
In 1 791 Rev. Jacob Jennings became a member of Red-
stone Presbytery and was appointed to supply New Providence
Church part of his time. April 17th, 1792, this church united
with Dunlap's Creek in calling Mr. Jennings to the pastorate. In
this relation he continued five and a half years and was then al-
lowed to devote his whole time to the church of Dunlap's Creek.
Of the fruit of his labors here no record is extant.
By order of the Synod of Virginia, of which the Presbyter}'
of Redstone was an integral part, the latter, in 1793, was divided
and the Monongahela river was made the boundary line between
it and the new Presbytery of Ohio. By this division New Provi-
dence Church was placed under the supervision of the latter
Presbytery.
In October, 1798, permission w^as given to New Providence
to join with Union (now Kent) Church and also George's Creek,
to put in a call for the labors of Mr. James Adams. On accept-
ing the call, Mr. Adams was ordained and installed pastor in Oc-
tober, 1799. After serving in this relation two and a half years,
Mr. Adams was released from the charge of New Providence
Church. Of his ministerial success we are unable to speak.
October 20th, 1802, this church united with that of Jeffer-
son in asking for Mr. Cephas Dodd as supply for one year, but
for reasons not given in the minutes of Presbytery, the request
was not granted. About this time this western region was vis-
ited with a gracious baptism of the Holy Spirit. Tradition says
it extended to this church, accompanied by the usual bodily af-
fections. October 19th, Mr. Cephas Dodd was appointed to
74 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
supply for one year the united congregations of New Providence.
Jefferson and Ruff's Creek the whole of his time and order was
taken for his ordination at the next meeting of Presbytery. Af-
ter his induction into the ministry, Mr. Dodd was married to Miss
Ruth, daughter of James Flenniken, one of the ruling elders of
this church.
On closing his ministry here, he became the honored suc-
cessor of his father, Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, in the pastoral charge
of the churches of Upper and Lower Tenmile. At this juncture.
New Providence Church seems to have been left vacant for sev-
eral years. In the Presbyterial records it is stated that on the
20th of October, 1807, a call was presented by the united con-
gregations of New Providence and Jefferson, for the ministerial
labors of Mr. Moses Allen, of which he declared his acceptance,
and on the 24th of the December following he was ordained and
installed, in which services, Rev. Boyd Mercer preached the
sermon and Rev. A. Gwyn presided and delivered the charges.
Mr. Allen was son-in-law of Rev. John McMillan and is said to
have been an able preacher. In this field he remained nine years
and was then dismissed to take charge of the church of Raccoon.
His successor in this church was Rev. Boyd Mercer, who, in
April, 1 81 8, was appointed Stated Supply for one year. He
seems not to have attained much distinction in the ministry.
After remaining vacant for some time, in October, 1820, this
church, in union with that of Jefferson, obtained as a supply.
Rev. George Van Emmon. On the i8th of April, 1821, a call
from said churches for the whole of Mr. Van Emmon's time was
given to him, and being accepted, he was installed on the Mon-
day following. The Rev. William McMillan preached the usual
.sermon and the Rev. Matthew Brown presided and delivered the
charges. By order of the Synod of Pittsburgh, in 1825, Mr.
Van Emmon and his charges were set over from the Presbytery
of Ohio to that of Redstone. F"or the term of fourteen and a
half years, Mr. Van Emmon continued to sow in this field the
precious seed of gospel truth. His social qualities and evangeli-
cal preaching commanded the esteem and approval of his people.
On resigning his charge here, April, 1835, Rev. James Baber,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 75
from Eastern Virginia, succeeded him in October, 1835, minis-
tering as Stated Supply for two years. This church then be-
came vacant and was occasionally supplied by Revs. Guthrie,
Gillett, Henry, Bristol and Davis, and by licentiates Joseph H.
Chambers, John M. Smith and William McMichal.
RULING ELDERS.
Of the ruling elders of New Providence Church the first set
comprised James Flenniken, John Armstrong, John Crawford
and John Flenniken. The first mentioned was esteemed as a pil-
lar in the church and ceased not to command the respect and con-
fidence of his associates and neighbors. In the spring of 1802
he was a commissioner to the General Assembly. He died, Au-
gust 25th, 1823, aged seventy-six years.
John Armstrong was a fair representative of the Scotch-Irish
type of religion. Tenacious and firm in his adherence of accept-
ed principles, his predilections were strongly in favor of the old
paths and his mind firmly set against innovation upon established
forms and usages. Having served the church acceptably for
many years, he at length laid aside the badge of office for the
crown of life.
For lack of information, we cannot speak of John Crawford
with certainty, either as to his Christian attainments, his term of
service in the church, or of his ascension to join the sacramental
host in Heaven.
At an early period in the history of this (Greene) county,
Elder John Flenniken came from North Carolina and permanent-
ly settled in this locality. Prior to his immigration, he was a
member of the convention, which met at Charlotte, in the county
of Mecklenburg, on the 19th of May, 1775. He was also a
signer of the famous Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
adopted by that convention, from which Thomas Jefferson drew
some of his glowing, patriotic sentiments, embodied in the one
adopted in 1776. From this county Mr. Flenniken once was
honored with a seat in the Legislature. For a number of years
he was also an Associate Judge. Being twice married, he was the
father of a numerous family, one of whom, Robert P., was a lead-
ing member of the House of Representatives, a Minister to Den-
76 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
mark and a Territorial Judge. Hannah, his daughter, became
the second wife of the Rev. Asa Brooks, pastor of the churches
of French Creek and Clarksburg, West Virginia. Mr. Flenni-
ken died at an advanced age crowned with many honors and
blest with a hope full of immortality.
As successors in office, Andrew McClelland, Henry Jen-
nings, Robert Morrison, Josias Lowrie, William McClelland and
Samuel Harper are worthy of mention.
In this community Mr. Harper was a prominent member.
He was son-in-law of Dr. John McMillan, having married Mrs.
Jane Moorhead, then a widow. Mr. Harper is spoken of as hav-
ing been a very hospitable and worthy citizen, once honored with
the Sheriffalty of the county. Of the character and standing of
his associates in the eldership, we are unable to speak, as no
available materials are at hand.
David, father of Hon. James Veech, having served as an el-
der in this church for a number of years, in 1832 removed to
Dunlap's Creek Church and afterward to Uniontovvn, where he
became a member of the session of that church and where he
died in the eighty-fifth year of his age. Before leaving New
Providence Church, Mr. Veech gave in marriage his only
daughter to Rev. Joel Stoneroad, then pastor of the church of
Uniontown.
OTHER ITEMS.
In this connection certain historical items may be now in-
troduced. The exact date of the first house erected by New
Providence congregation cannot now be determined. Tradition
says it was a log structure, located about a quarter of a mile dis-
tant from the present building. In that house of primitive style,
among others who proclaimed the Gospel, was the distinguished
Dr. Ewing, of Philadelphia, while on his tour as one of the Com-
missioners to locate the Mason and Dixon's line, in the year
1784. The ground on which stands the present edifice was pur-
chased from John Crawford, on which was erected a log build-
ing, 30x35 feet. In this house the congregation worshiped for
more than a quarter of a century. In describing the building,
Hon. James Veech says: "When we first began to attend church
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. TJ
and during all our residence there, the building was an old log
one, in which I have listened to long sermons in the winter, with-
out fire. It was an open house, two stories, no floor aloft and the
windows often broken." In the year 1836 this old uncomforta-
ble house gave place to a new brick, 43x53 feet, at a cost of
some $1,500. A brick church of similar dimensions, in the year
1852 was erected in the village of Carmichaels. The cost of the
ground, house and fixtures was some ^2,300.
ENDOWMENTS.
By will of William Hale, bearing date, April ist, 1803, this
church became legatee to a farm of 130 acres. To the trustees
possession was given, March 31st, 1804, by the executor, Joseph
Brant, at which time one year's rent of $80 became due, payable
in "good whiskey" at forty cents per gallon. In this era of ad-
vanced temperance sentiment, the trustees could not be induced
to risk their reputation, by contracting for the payment of rent in
whiskey, either good or bad, as a means to procure material aid
for the support of the ministry and for other purposes.
TRUSTEES.
From an early period the finances of this church have been
managed by a Board of Trustees appointed by the Legislature in
1804. With few exceptions these men have passed away. For
their work's sake they deserve to be held in grateful remem-
brance. Theirs has been a work not only gratuitous and re-
sponsible, but oftentimes perplexing, demanding much thought,
wise counsels and forecast.
RULING ELDERS OF 1 839.
At the begining of the present pastorate, the ruling elders
were six in number. They were men high in reputation in the
community, men of integrity and moral worth, men of piety and
large influence.
Of John Rea, Sr., it may be said his religious character was
strongly marked by tender devotional feeling. Under the preach-
ing of the word he was often seen in tears and could seldom lead
in social prayer without evincing strong emotion. In 1836 he
was Commissioner to the General Assembly in Pittsburgh, prior
78 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
to the disruption of the church. He died in hope, November,
1847.
Daniel, son of Hugh Stephenson, was a man of exemplary
character, a regular attendant on the public means of grace in
summer and winter, although living some seven miles distant
from the church. His translation to the better land was preceded
by a long series of afflictions, which he bore with commendable
submission. He died trusting in the merits of the Redeemer,
September, 1856.
George Davis, early indoctrinated in Bible truth and firmly
adhering to his religious convictions, shared largely the respect
and confidence of both pastor and congregation. Unostenta-
tious and without guile, he sought to please God by a life con-
formable to his will. He fell asleep in Jesus, November, 1861.
William was the son and successor in office of John Arm-
strong. From choice and sympathy he was in full accord with
the church in which he had his birth and training. Naturally he
possessed, in a high degree, those domestic and social qualities
so well suited to please and ingratiate. A lover of hospitality,
his house was ever open for the entertainment of guests. Few
excelled him in the kindly greetings he was wont to give to a
large circle of acquaintances and friends. Presbyterial and Syn-
odical meetings were to him occasions of special interest and en-
joyment. Supported by the gracious assurances of the Master,
he departed this life, December, 1861.
Henry was the son of Hugh Barclay, an early settler and
representative in the Legislature from this county. In his offi-
cial life Elder Barclay possessed largely the esteem of the con-
gregation and of the members of session. In the spring of 1858,
he, with his large and interesting family, emigrated and became a
resident of Iowa.
Elder Charles Swan, of English ancestry, was the son of
Charles, one of the early .settlers on Muddy Creek. Prompt,
conscientious and exemplary, he ruled well, both in his own and
in the house of God. For twenty-eight years he was a member
of the Board of Trustees and as treasurer, did much to keep the
finances of the church in a ^ood condition. On three of his sons
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 79
the mantle of the eldership has fallen. To the regret of his
many friends, Mr. Swan removed to Ohio, where he closed his
useful life.
SKETCH OF THE PRESENT PASTORATE.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Washington, in June,
1839, a licentiate of that body had just obtained permission to
itinerate beyond its bounds. His face was set westward and his
purpose formed to pitch his tent somewhere in the widening mis-
sionary fields then open in the new States and territories. Before
taking leave of Presbytery, however, a fellow licentiate, Mr. John
M. Smith, appeared, and through his urgent solicitation, the
present writer, with some hesitation, was induced to visit this
field. On the first Sabbath of July, 1839, he delivered to the
church of New Providence, his first message, from 2 Cor. 9:15.
After preaching some two months as supply, a unanimous call
for two-thirds of his time, on a salary of ;^300 was made out,
moderated by Rev. Joel Stoneroad. The call having been duly
accepted, January 15th, 1840, was fixed as the time for ordina-
tion and installation. Rev. A. G. F'airchild was appointed to
preach the usual sermon and Rev. Joel Stoneroad to preside and
deliver ihe charges. The other third of the pastor's time was to
be given to the church of Jefferson, on a salary of $100. This
arrangement continued until the spring of 1849, ^^hen at the pas-
tor's request, he was released from the charge at Jefferson, with a
view of giving his whole time to New Providence Church, with a
promise of $350 salary and permission to preach on alternate
Sabbath evenings at Greensboro.
January 14th, 1848, Paul Rea, John N. Flenniken and Wil-
liam Crawford were added to the eldership. After serving in
this office ten years, Mr. Flenniken emigrated and made his
home in Iowa. Mr. Crawford, after twelve years acceptable ser-
vice, rested from his labors and entered into rest, May 19th, i860.
MEMBERSHIP.
The enrolled membership of this church in 1839 numbered
fifty-five, of whom sixteen were males and thirty-nine females.
Since that date there has been a steady, though moderate growth,
by accessions, mainly on profession. At the close of the first
8o PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
decade there were fifty-eight additions; in the second decade,
ninety-five, and during the third, seventy-one. In the mean
time our membership has been greatly depleted and our moral
and pecuniary strength annually diminished by deaths and re-
movals. Since January, 1848, two additional sets of elders have
been invested with official authority. These were Solon B.
Swan, John Rea and Thomas L. Cummins, December 12th, 1858;
also, February, 1873, Ralston Williams, Aaron Gregg and Sam-
uel Bunting. Mr. Cummins, after serving many years with
much zeal and ability, together with his large, intelligent and
well trained famil}^, left us and became a resident of Des Moines,
Iowa. Ralston Williams, also, after a brief term in the elder-
ship, left this for another church in Monongahela City.
For many years in its official acts the session of this church
has had the good fortune to harmonize. With few exceptions,
church members have also been careful to study the things that
make for peace.
Until the spring of 1873, New Providence Church never
sustained a separate and independent existence. From its earli-
est recognition, it had a connection with Dunlap's Creek, George's
Creek, Ruff"'s Creek, Tent, Jefferson and Greensboro. While
Jefferson made part of the pastoral charge, there were in that
church fifty-three additions. The members at Greensboro were
mainly connected with New Providence and so continued until
June, 1867, when, by order of Presbytery, they became a sep-
arate organization, with a membership of thirty-eight, increased
to fifty in 1873.
BEQUEST.
In October, 1866, a bequest of ;^500 came into the hands of
the trustees from the estate of Alexander Davidson, Captain of
Company F, of the Eighth Pennsylvania Cavalry. This bequest
was applied in 1867 to the repairing of the two houses of wor-
ship belonging to the congregation.
BENEVOLENT CONTRIBUTIONS.
During a period of thirty-seven years contributions were
as follows : P"or Home Missions, Jg866; Foreign Missions, ;^i,-
402; Education, $1,436; Publication, 1^147 ; Church Erection,
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 51
S404; Ministerial Relief Fund, $26^; Freedmen, $155; Sustenta-
tion, 530; making an aggregate of ;^4,697.
For several years the plan adopted by the session for raising
money for benevolent objects, is that of districting the congrega-
tion and appointing collectors to receive the offerings at specified
times, usually every two months.
For contingent expenses Sabbath collections are taken up.
And for the payment of the pastor's salary, voluntary subscrip-
tions are secured.
In commemoration of the reunion of the Old and New
School branches of the Presbyterian Church, the General As-
sembly recommended the raising of a five million fund. To this
fund this church contributed the sum of ;S550, about one-half of
which was expended on home objects.
RELIGIOUS MEANS AND OBSERVANCES.
Besides the usual Sabbath services, the weekly prayer meet-
ing, family religion and Christian education have received a
measure of attention. Many of the children and youth in years
past were encouraged to memorize and recite the Shorter Cate-
chism. For these recitations copies of the Bible were donated.
PASTORAL WORK.
In summarizing the pastoral work done in the congregation
from 1839 to 1887, the following items may be reported, including
a period of forty-eight years :
Sermons delivered, not including addresses and lectures,
4,540. Additions on profession and certificate, 400. Baptism of
infants, 159, and of adults, 102; total, 261. Members dismissed
to other churches, 125. Removed without certificate, stricken
from the roll and dealt with by the session, fifty-eight. Deaths,
eighty. Present number, 105.
TEMPERANCE.
Most of the members of this church for many years have
been pledged to total abstinence from all intoxicants. Members
of the Sabbath School, also, of proper understanding, are en-
couraged to thus pledge themselves. A member who for some
82 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
time embarked in distilling was suspended. Others known to
drink to intoxication have been disciplined.
CO-OPERATION OF LADIES.
As helpers in beneficent work in the interest of the church,
the lady members have been greatly useful. In their social meet-
ings for prayer and other purposes and in their private devotions
and missionary efforts, they have done much to encourage the
pastor and to strengthen his hands. In June, 1872, the ladies or-
ganized a Missionary Society, the second formed in the bounds
of the Presbytery. This society meets monthly for prayer, con-
ference and other objects in the interest of the cause and does
much to swell the contributions to the cause of missions.
SABBATH SCHOOL.
In the department of church work the Sabbath School holds
an important place. It is matter of regret that in the schools of
this church but few materials have been preserved for historic de-
tails. Of the exact time of organization there seems to be no ex-
isting record. It is supposed to be one of the earliest schools,
as to organization, in the county. For a considerable time after
its formation, the method of instruction comprised Bible reading,
reciting Scripture, Hymns and the Catechism. In some in-
stances large portions of Scripture and sacred poetry were
memorized.
Since the erection of the church in Carmichaels, two schools
have been in working order. Both are regularly supplied with
the periodicals of the Board of Publication. By contributions
raised in the schools, the publications are paid for.
ADDITIONAL ELDERS.
On the eighth day of August, 1880, Mr. Josiah H. Rea and
Mr. Ellis B. Bailey, being duly elected and having signified their
acceptance of the office, were ordained and installed ruling elders.
As a church, God has given to us many proofs of his pa-
ternal favor. In a spiritual point of view, he has fulfilled his
pledge to the children of the fathers, favored as they are with
the means of grace and with a place in Israel.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 53
Though it is not our joy to speak of any powerful and ex-
tensive revival, yet upon us mercy drops have occasionally fallen
and seasons of refreshing and ingathering have marked our pro-
gress. These tokens of the divine favor have nerved us for toil
in the vineyard and cheered us in our pilgrimage. When the
Lord Cometh to write up the people, it will be found that this
and that man were born in Zion. On various occasions, besides
quickening the zeal and imparting fresh vitality to the member-
ship, accessions of ten, twenty or more have served to swell our
ranks. A survey of the past may well beget serious reflections.
The fathers and mothers in Israel, where are they ? Active once
in laying the foundation for the church's growth, long since their
mortal remains have been laid to rest in the adjacent cemetery.
From their lowly resting place, a voice silent, though eloquent,
seems to say to us: "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it
with thy might."
Recalling past historical details may serve also the end of
prompting to humility. Unlike others we could name, this
church has done little towards furnishing the Gospel field with
laborers. Of the youth who became pious under former pas-
tors, we can point to no one in the ministry. And since the be-
ginning of the present pastorate, though several young men re-
ceived a college education, only two members of this church have
entered the ministry — Hugh Aretas Barclay and John Calvin Mc-
Clintock. The former of these is no longer enrolled among the
ministers of the Gospel. This fact is humiliating and calls for
serious thought. That this review may serve to strengthen the
bonds of Christian brotherhood and lift us up to a higher plane
of personal consecration is the earnest prayer of the author of
these lines.
SUPPLEMENTARY.
On September 8th, 1876, New Providence Church held a
centenary meeting which proved to be an enjoyable occasion.
At the hour of 10 o'clock, a. m., the congregation convened and
was organized by the election of Paul Rea, as President ; S. B.
Swan, as Vice President and John Armstrong, Secretary.
After prayer by Rev. Francis Downey, a Baptist minister.
84 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
the congregation sang the Coronation hymn. The pastor then
.stated that Rev. Joel Stoneroad, who was expected to be present,
could not attend. A letter was read from Hon. James Veech,
who had been invited, expressing regret that he could not be
present.
Rev. J. C. McClintock, pastor of the Presbyterian Church,
of Burlington, Iowa, read selections from the Scriptures. Hymn
647, of the Hymnal, was now sung, after which the historical
discourse prepared by the pastor was delivered, at the close of
which the choir sang from "Pure Gold" the good old way.
Revs. McClintock, son of the pastor, H. O. Rosborough,
John Huston, of the M. E. Church and W. S. Danley, of the C.
P. Church, being called on, entertained the audience with remin-
iscences and appropriate remarks.
ADDENDA.
In the year 1882, the congregation took down and rebuilt
the church in the country on a more eligible site, at a cost of
about ;^i,5oo.
The church in Carmichaels has also been rebuilt in modern
style and neatly refurnished at a cost of some ^2,500. At the
rededication in April, 1887, Revs. M. C. Bailey, and Dr. James I.
Brownson and Dr. James Dinsmore, classmates of the pastor,
were present and took part in the services.
Of the members in communion in 1840, only three are now
on our roll as survivors.
The marriages solemnized number 207.
The pastor is now in his forty-ninth year of service in this
congregation and is hopeful of doing still further service for the
Master, to whom he is greatly indebted and to whom be all the
praise for any good accomplished.
GEORGE'S CREEK.
BY REV. H. O. ROSBOROUGH.
The congregation of George's Creek was collected by Mr.
James Power, a licentiate of the Presbytery of New Castle, who
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 85
visited this county in the spring of the year 1774. There is no
one living, perhaps, who knows when the first sermon within its
bounds was preached. It is presumed, however, that at least
three years before the Declaration of American Independence
was made there was Presbyterian preaching in the neighborhood ;
for the lot of ground on which Mt. Moriah Church is erected was
conveyed to the Presbyterians by Joseph Caldwell in the year
1773. The same year a small log church was commenced and
this is known to have been the first house of worship built by
any denomination within the limits of what is now Fayette coun-
ty, Pa. The house and location were called Mt. Moriah, but the
people worshiping in it were called the congregation of George's
Creek. After standing about half a century it was so far decay-
ed as to be no longer fit for occupancy ; it was removed and near
its site a school house was built which long served as a place for
regular preaching. Finally, in the year 1858, the school house
becoming unsuitable for the size and convenience of the congre-
gation worshiping there, the third and present house, on the same
ground, was built at an expense of ;gi,ioo, and on the 3d of
March following, it was free from debt, dedicated to the worship
of the triune God. About ten years after the first preaching
at Mt. Moriah, the members of Presbyterian families on the
north side of the creek had so far increased that Presbytery
granted them as many supplies as were granted to Mt. Moriah,
and this part of the congregation was called Lower George's
Creek and the old place Upper George's Creek. Mr. Power re-
turned cast of the mountains in the fall of 1774, and having re-
ceived ordination from his Presbytery, finally, in 1776, removed
with his family to this county and took up his residence on De-
lap's Creek, now called Dunlap's Creek. Here he remained
about two years and extended his labors over the greater part of
the territory now embraced in the counties of Westmoreland and
Fayette. At this time the principal Presbyterian families on
George's Creek were the following, viz.: Henry Robison, Jo-
seph Caldwell, David Frame, Robt. Ritchie, Wm. Hill, Robt.
McClain, Theophilus Phillips, Sr., Philip Dils, Sr., John Hill,
John Pollock, James Barclay, Thos. Ramsay, Enoch Abraham,
86 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Paul Laish, Jas. Cross, Henry Jennings, John Wilson and George
Wilson, from whom George's Creek and George's township re-
ceive their names. In 1778 Mr. Power removed to Mt. Pleasant,
'out continued to supply occasionally at George's Creek, as did
also the Rev. James Dunlap, afterward settled at Laurel Hill.
In 1 78 1 the Presbytery of Redstone was constituted by the
Synod of New York and Philadelphia and held its first meeting
at Pigeon Creek in the fall of that year. P"rom that time the
congregation received occasional supplies from the Presbytery.
The church was not regularly supplied until the year 1788, when
the Rev. James Finley, by appointment of Presbytery, ordained
to the eldership, Henry Robison, Jas. Caldwell, David Frame,
Robt. Ritchie, Wm. Hill and Robt. McCIain. The number of
communicants was now about fifty. Among the supplies which
at that period were sent them by Presbytery we notice the names
of Thaddeus Dodd and John Brice.
In 1789 the people of Lower George's Creek purchased a lot
of ground of Richard Brown and erected a log building about
twenty feet square, which they occupied as a place of worship in
the winter. In the summer, in pleasant weather, they held their
services in the grove. In the following winter they united with
Dunlap's Creek in presenting a call to Rev. Samuel Porter, which
he declined in favor of one from Polk Run and Congruity.
In the fall and winter of I790-'9I they were regularly sup-
plied by the ministrations of the Rev. Robt. M. Finley, who had
recently come from South Carolina. He introduced Watts' ver-
sion of the Psalms, in consequence of which, some of the con-
gregation, among whom were 'Squire Ross, Thos. Ramsay and
James Cross, withdrew and connected themselves with the Asso-
ciate Reformed Church. Mr. Finley soon afterwards removed to
Kentucky, where having been suspended from the ministry for
intemperance, he joined the Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1 79 1 the congregation north of the creek enlarged their
church lot by a purchase from Lsaac Phillips, Sr., and set about
erecting a frame meeting house 48x36. This was not finished
for a long time after; standing so long the people called it the
"Old Frame." From this time the congregation enjoyed the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 87
visits of more frequent supplies, among whom were Wm. Swan,
Geo. Hill, Thos. Marquis, Boyd Mercer, Jacob Jennings, Thos.
Moore and David Smith. In the year 1816, this building, which
had become quite untenantable, was thoroughly repaired and
partly renewed at an expense of near ^1,000. About this time
Alex. McClelland attempted to alienate the property from the
congregation, but was defeated by A. Oliphant, Philip Dils and J.
W. Nicholson, who succeeded in perfecting the title to the Pres-
byterian church. Again, in 1836, the house was repaired at a
cost of about $6oo. The pulpit was at this time changed
from the west side to the north end, closing the door at the north
end and still leaving the doors at the south end and east side.
Finally, in 1865, this house was again repaired, at a cost of ^i,-
100. The house was now for the first time plastered, the pulpit
was lowered and the door in the east side closed up, leaving the
double door in the south end and making the house more comfor-
table than at any period of the seventy-four years of its existence ;
and this arrangement remains to this day, July, 1887. The early
supplies were Dr. J. Power, Dr. John McMillan, Thaddeus Dodd,
John Brice, James Hughes, Joseph Patterson, Jas. Dunlap, Jos.
Smith, John McPherrin, Sam'l Porter, Boyd Mercer, Robt. Mar-
shall and Wm. Swan, who probably preached the first sermon at
Mt. Moriah, or at least, in the neighborhood, George Hill, Thos.
Marquis, Jacob Jennings, Thos. Moore, James Finley, &c.
The first pastor was David Smith. Presbytery met at
George's Creek, August 20th, 1794, and ordained him pastor of
George's Creek and Tent (the Tent at that time including Union-
town.) This relation was dissolved in the fall of 1797.
James Adams was the second pastor. He was ordained and
installed at George's Creek, October i6th, 1799. His pastoral
charge included New Providence and Tent, or as then called.
Muddy Creek and Union. In 1808 he resigned George's Creek.
Ashbel Green Fairchild was the third pastor. In the fall of
181 7, Mr. Fairchild, then twenty-two j'ears of age, a licentiate of
the Presbytery of Jersey, began preaching in this region, under
the direction of the Western Missionary Society. In the follow-
ing spring he was appointed supply, for one-half his time, and
88 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
in July, was ordained as an evangelist. For the first three years
he supplemented his salary by teaching. When he came, the
church numbered ten members, one of whom. Henry Jennings,
was an elder. In 1822 Dr. Fairchild was installed pastor of the
churches of George's Creek, Morgantown and Greensboro, with
a salary of ;$333.33. In 1827, he resigned Morgantown and
Greensboro, and was installed over Tent one half his time at a
salary of ^200. In 1829 there was a great revival in the George's
Creek Church. Within one year eighty persons united with the
church. On account of an attack of a disease of the lungs, Dr.
Fairchild spent the winter of 1833 and '34 in the South and his
pulpits were supplied by Rev. James McDougall, his brother-in-
law. In 1836 his salary was raised to ^500, in consequence of a
call he received to Pigeon Creek. In April, 1854, Dr. Fairchild
resigned his charge of this church, having served it as supply
and pastor for thirty-six and a half years. Dr. Fairchild remain-
ed pastor of the Tent church until his death, June 30th, 1864.
On July 2d the four elders of Tent church deposited his body be-
side kindred dust in the cemetery, at Old Frame, Pa. On this
solemn occasion a large assembly listened to a sermon by Rev.
H. O. Rosborough and to an eloquent oration on the character
of the deceased, by his old and much attached friend, Rev. Sam'l
Wilson, D. D. Nine years after, Dr. F's. devoted wife was buried
by his side. No man ever lived in this neighborhood who let
his light shine more widely or more brightly. He was a pro-
found classical scholar, a sound theologian, an impressive preach-
er, a dignified and influential Presbyter and a model Christian
gentleman.
Hugh O. Rosborough, the fourth pastor, a licentiate of
Washington Presbytery and twenty-seven years of age, com-
menced preaching in this church the last Sabbath of July, 1854.
On the 5th of June, 1855, he was ordained and installed by Red-
stone Presbytery, with a salary of $500. On this occasion Rev.
Mr. Wallace preached. Rev. John McClintock charged the pastor
and Rev. Joel Stoneroad the people. During the last twenty-
•seven years Mr. Rosborough preached one-fourth of his time in
adjacent churches, viz.: Four years at Mt. Washington, twelve
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. . 89
years at Springhill Furnace and eleven years at Greensboro. In
September, 1872, the salary at George's Creek Church alone was
increased to $600. Old Frame, on north side of creek, was built
in 1 79 1. Mt. Moriah Church, five miles distant and on south
side of the creek, also a frame, was built in 1859. Rosborough
Chapel, in Smithfield, a brick building, was built in 1885, the
house and ground costing about $2,700. Also George's Creek
Church has a part interest in the stone church at New Geneva
and a part interest in the Frame church at VVoodbridge town. A
frame house, with seventeen acres of land attached was bought.
March 31st, 1866, of L. S. Hough, Esq., executor of the estate
of A. G. Fairchild, D. D., the same being the house of Dr. F. and
the home of his widow, until it was sold for the sum of $2,188.
Members, who have become ministers, are the following: Revs.
George Hill, John Crozier, John VVray, Jacob Pentzer, Valentine
Pentzer, Wm. Hanna and Geo. L. Diffenbaugh. During Dr. Fair-
child's pastorate 417 members were received. After deaths, dis-
missions, suspensions, &c., 118 members remained when he re-
signed. Upwards of 200 had been dismissed to other churches.
During Mr. Rosborough's pastorate to date, July, 1887, 313
members have been received. About 175 are now living within
the bounds of the congregation. On account of an attack of
of vertigo, March 14th, 1886, Mr. Rosborough was not able to
preach for a year. He is now preaching occasionally, as health
permits.
[And at this date, November, 1888, regularly, and with
health almost, if not entirely restored. — Eds.]
LITTLE REDSTONE.
BY REV. B. M. KERR.
This church was organized by the Rev. Jacob Jennings in a
log cabin that stood close to where the Township Hall now
stands. The year of its organization is uncertain. The author
go PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
of "Old Redstone," Rev. Dr. Joseph Smith, fixes its date in the
year 1785. There is no evidence that this was the case. The
year of its organization is supposed to have been 1797, although
the loss of the early church records renders positive evidence
upon that point unobtainable. For the same reason the names
of the constituent members of the organization cannot be given.
The first ruling elders chosen were Joseph Lyon, ordained about
1799, John Blythe and John Wells, 1805. Among those who
served as elders in the early history of the church may also be
mentioned William Steele, John Johnston, John Hazlip and Da-
vid Hough, ordained, 181 5; then John McKennan and Peter
Umrickhouse, 1820; John Gormley and Wm. Forsythe, 1832;
John Steele, Nicholas Baker and Jesse H. Duncan, 1836; Henry
Barkman, 1853; William Hough, Joseph Wells and James Cum-
mings, January 23d, 1858; Joshua V. Gibbons and Wm. Parkhill,
April 9th, 1859; S. R. Nutt, Wm. F. Hough, John Reed and
Henry Cook, July 5th, 1873, and Sam'l Wakefield, 1884.
Little Redstone Church was supplied with preaching by the
pastors of Dunlap's Creek Church, and when Mr. Jennings ended
his pastorate. Rev. Wm. Johnston took charge. During his
term of service the organization of Little Redstone was discon-
tinued and its members transferred to the Brownsville Presby-
terian Church. In 1844 Little Redstone was reorganized by the
election of William Steele, John Steele, John Blythe and John
Wells, as ruling elders. A brick church was built in 1845, about
a half mile north of the old location, William Elliott, William
Forsythe and William G. Patterson being the building commit-
tee, and a burying ground laid out.
The Rev. Thomas Martin assumed the pastorate and re-
mained until April 13th, 1852, when he was succeeded by the
Rev. Robert M. Wallace, January 28th, 1853, and ordained and
installed, June 15th, 1853. This relation continued until Febru-
ary, 17th, 1864.
The Rev. Joseph H. Stevenson followed. May 4th, 1864,
and was ordained and installed, October I4tli, 1864. On the
24th of April, 1866, Mr. Stevenson presented to the Presbytery
a request from the two churches to be recognized as separate and
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 9 1
distinct organizations. The Presbytery acceded to the request,
and constituted the elders residing in the bounds of Little Red-
stone Church, together with the pastor, as the Session of the Lit-
tle Redstone Church.
After a pastorate of nearly four years, Mr. Stevenson re-
signed and was released by the Presbytery, April 29th, 1868.
His successors to the present time have been, Revs. George
Scott, Stated Supply, 1868; Robert R. Gailey, ordained and in-
stalled, June nth, 1872; C. C. B. Duncan, installed, May 20th,
1880; J. T. Crumrine, installed, May, 1883. and B. M. Kerr, Sta-
ted Supply, April 17th, 1887. The present membership is about
eighty-seven. The Sabbath School, under the efficient Superin-
tendent, Mr. Wm. F. Hough, is kept open only during the sum-
mer season and is quite flourishing.
SOMERSET.
BY REV. J. C. MELOY.
Somerset, the county seat of Somerset county, is one of the
most beautiful towns in Western Pennsylvania. It is delight-
fully situated on a sandy knoll looking out to the east upon a
fertile scope of countrj'- and a mile away to the west, upon the
foot-hills of the Allegheny mountains. It is a very pleasant
summer resort and is visited by a goodly number of people who
desire a quiet resting place during "the heated term." The
church here, was doubtless organized, near the close of the last
century, probably in the year 1796, but by whom, or under what
circumstances, is unknown at the present time, all the earlier
records of the church having been lost in a disastrous fire which
occurred in 1872. The name of Somerset appears for the first
time in the minutes of Redstone Presbytery, in a list of churches
asking for supplies, at a meeting held on the i8th of October,
92 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
1796. We infer from this record that the church was organized
a short time before that, the Presbytery having failed to make
any note of the fact. The congregation, probably, depended
upon supplies, on up to the year 1817. as there is no evidence
that a pastor had ever been settled among them before that time.
The first record of a settlement is dated, October 21st, 1817, and
reads as follows: "It was resolved to hold a meeting at Somer-
set, on the first Wednesday of December, at 12 o'clock, for the
purpose of ordaining and installing Mr. Ross in his charge." At
the October meeting "Mr. John Ross was examined on his ex-
perimental acquaintance with religion, theology, the learned lan-
guages and church history," and Presbytery sustained his an-
swers as parts of trial for ordination. The meeting at Somerset
was held on the 3d of December, with three ministers present,
viz.: Revs. Francis Herron, James Graham and Thomas Hunt.
After the propounding of the constitutional questions, Mr. Ross
was ordained and installed. Mr. Graham preached the sermon
and Mr Hunt presided and gave the charge. This relation con-
tinued a little less than two years and in October, 18 19, Presby-
tery granted the request of Mr. Ross to be released. After this
there was a protracted vacancy, during which time the church
resorted to its long accustomed plan of asking Presbytery to
send supplies. An old member of the church affirms, that about
the year 1827, Rev. Stephen Frontis, a Frenchman, was pastor
for about twelve months, a fact not referred to in the minutes of
the Presbytery. It is recorded, that at a meeting of Presbytery,
held in the Congruity Church, on the 15th of June, 1830, "a call
was presented to the Presbytery, from the congregation of Som-
erset, for one-half of the ministerial labors of Mr. S. Howel Ter-
ry, with the exception of every eighth Sabbath, in which they
promise him all they can raise by subscription. A like call was
presented from the congregation of "Genner," for the other half of
Mr. Terry's labors, with a similar exception, in which they prom-
ised him ;^I20 per annum, it being understood that the balance
of Mr. Terry's support would be furnished by the Board of Mis-
sions of the General Assembly." Mr. Terry accepted and was
ordained and "installed as the regular pastor of the united con-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 93
gregations of Somerset and Genncr," July 7th, 1830. He con-
tinued pastor until the autumn of 1833.
About 1836 Rev. Robert M. Finley became pastor or Stated
Supply and served the church for a number of years. In April,
1841, supplies are again appointed by Presbytery and so contin-
ued to be for sometime. His successor was Mr. Henry Davis, who
took charge of the congregation about the year 1845 and con-
tinued one year.
He was followed about the year 1849, by Rev. Peter Has-
singer, who was pastor for two years.
After this there appears to have been another long vacancy,
ending with the short pastorate of Rev. B. F. Myers, in 1859.
And now, once more, the supply system was adopted, and a num-
ber of young men, either from the seminary, or but recently
graduated, filled the pulpit, among whom the names of Lyon,
Agnew, Graham and Kuhn are still held in remembrance. Of
these, Rev. Loyal Young Graham afterwards settled and con-
tinued to discharge the duties of the pastoral office for a period
of five years, commencing with 1861. Mr. Kuhn was here for
about one year, but was not installed. Rev. Henry Bain also
supplied the church for one summer.
In 1870 Rev. Wm. Edgar became Stated Supply and served
the church for a year and a half
After this there followed three pastorates, viz. : Rev. S.
S. Bergen, from 1876 to 1878; Rev. C. B. Wakefield, from 1880
to 1882, and Rev. C. C. B. Duncan, from September, 1882, to
May, 1885. Since the release of Mr. Duncan, the church has
been vacant, but is now earnestly seeking a pastor who shall go
in and out before the people.
The first church building in which the congregation was in-
terested was of stone, held jointly by the Reformed and Presby-
terians. This arrangement was not satisfactory to either congre-
gation and the Presbyterians sold out their interest to their neigh-
bor for the sum of ^8300. On the ist of April, 1856, the congre-
gation, through their trustees, Daniel Stahl and Andrew Stewart,
bought a lot on Union street of G. B. Fundenberg, M. D., at a
cost of $450, on which a beautiful brick church, 36x52 feet was
94 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
built, at a cost of ^1,650, and dedicated, April 15th, 1857. This
house was burnt in a disastrous fire, which fairly swept the town,
on the 9th of May, 1872. Fortunately the congregation had an
insurance of ;^2,ooo on the old building. With this and the lib-
eral assistance of many friends, they began to rebuild in 1874,
and in the following year had the pleasure of worshiping in a
building which had cost them ^9,000. It is a beautiful structure,
a model of neatness and architectural skill, and a credit alike to
the congregation and town. The congregation has always been
small but spirited, embracing many of the very best people in
the community. Their Board of Elders are the following, viz.:
Geo. W. Benford, Wm. Stahl and Geo. H. Love.
We close this imperfect history, secured mainly from the
lips of an aged member of the church, whose memory has sup-
plied the place of the records lost in the fire, with the last statis-
tical report. The only explanation we make of it is, that the ad-
ditions in the column "on examination" were received during a
delightful season of grace in February, 1888. Elders, three; ad-
ded on examination, seven ; by certificate, two ; whole No., thirty-
five; adults baptized, three; Sabbath School members, sixty-five;
Home Missions, $^ ; Foreign Missions, ^5 ; Sabbath School work,
$4; Relief Fund, ;^io; Freedmen, $2; Sustentation, $2; General
Assembly, ^3; Congregational, ;^I27.
JENNER.
The village of Jenner is a little hamlet on the northern turn-
pike in Somerset county, twelve miles north of the town of Som-
erset. When the first Presbyterian sermon was preached here,
or by whom, is unknown. The records ot Redstone Presbytery
show that Mr. James Adams, who was licensed to preach at
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 95
Fairfield, April 20th, 1797, was appointed to preach at "Summer-
set" on the fourth Sabbath of June following and at Quemahon-
ing (afterwards called Jenner) on the fifth Sabbath.
Rev. John Ross was ordained and installed pastor of Som-
erset Church, December 3d, 18 17. It is claimed that the minis-
ters supplying Somerset also preached at Jenner. It is probable,
therefore, that after Mr. Adams preached, the church was still
dependent on supplies till the pastorate of Mr. Ross. When the
organization took place we cannot tell. Mr. Ross' pastorate
continued at Somerset, till October, 18 19. Then was there at
both places, doubtless, dependence on supplies for a long time.
A venerable member of the Somerset Church says, that about the
year 1827, Rev. Stephen Frontis, a Frenchman, preached for
twelve months.
At Saltsburg, April 2d, 1828, Rev. Samuel Swan was ap-
pointed to administer the communion at Jenner and Rev. John
H. Kirkpatrick to assist, and Rev. John H. Agnewto preach one
Sabbath at discretion.
June 1 5th, 1 830, Rev. S. Howell Terry was called to Somerset
and Jenner, each place to have one-half the time, except every
eighth Sabbath. Mr. Terry was ordained and installed on the
the 7th of July, 1830, and continued as pastor till the autumn of
1833-
In 1836, probably, Rev. Robert M. Finley became Stated
Supply and continued till 1840, when supplies were appointed.
In April, 1837, Somerset and Jenner are reported as having an
addition of ten on examination, a membership of 120, six adults
being baptized and twenty-seven infants. How many belonged
to each church we cannot tell. In 1838 nine were added on ex-
amination and one on certificate, and the membership was 127.
Fifteen children were baptized.
In October, 1842, the following resolution was adopted by "
Presbytery: "Resolved, That this Presbytery memorialize the
Board of Missions in reference to the declining state of Presby-
terianism in the churches in Somerset county and earnestly en-
treat said Board to locate in that county some efficient mission-
ary, with a competent support, in hope that the cause of truth
96 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
and sound Presbyterianism may be revived and promoted."
What the result of the appHcation was is not shown by the min-
utes of Presbytery.
In 1844 the committee on Domestic Missions were instruct-
ed to aid Somerset and Jenner to the amount of $150, in sup-
porting some one whom they might obtain to serve them. Ap-
plication was made for aid several times.
In 1848, April, Mr. Henry Davis a licentiate of the Presby-
tery of Hocking, was employed as Stated Supply for one year.
He was followed by Rev. Peter Hassinger, who continued
two years or more.
After a long vacancy and dependence on supplies, Rev. B. F.
Myers, licentiate, was duly ordained and installed as pastor, June
23d, 1859. This pastorate was brief, ending May 9th, i860.
Messrs. Lyon, Agnew, Graham and Kuhn supplied for some
time.
Rev. Loyal Young Graham became pastor in 1861 and con-
tinued for five years. Mr. Bain supplied the church for a season.
In October, i860, Somerset and Jenner were set over to
Blairsville Presbytery and continued in that relation till during
the time when Rev. Mr. Edgar was Stated Supply, from 1870 to
1872. Rev. S. S. Bergen was pastor from 1876 to 1878; Rev. C.
B. Wakefield, from 1880 to 1882 and Rev. C. C. B. Duncan, from
1882 to 1885.
Since that time this feeble vine has had but little of the cul-
tivation so essential to its health and growth.
At one time there was a large Presbyterian community, em-
bracing amongst others, the Duncans, Hanlins, Rushabcrgers,
McMullins, Dennisons, Murphys, Howards, Landers, Coopers,
Boyds, Griffiths, Barclays, &c. Nearly all these are gone and only
a few members are left.
In the early day, a large log building stood about a mile
east of Jenner, near the creek, called the "Log House." This
was followed by a brick house in town, on the site of the present
building. This second house gave place to the third, also of
brick, erected and dedicated about 1871, and cost ;$ 1,300.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 97
Daniel Stahl, elder at Somerset, for many years attended
communions at Jenner.
Abram Biesecker, one of the present session, was ordained
in '71 or '72. Worth J. Picking and Wm. Klein were ordained
and installed during the pastorate of Rev. C. C. B. Duncan.
TENT.
BY REV. M. C. BAILEY, PH. D.
It is probable that the earliest Christians of this region wor-
shiped in a sanctuary known as Union Church. It was located
near the Morgantown road, on the land now possessed by Mr.
Samuel Robinson. The location was then known as "the Cataba
War Path." People came here to worship from Uniontown and
the surrounding" country. They were chiefly Presbyterians and
Baptists. Some items of this account are disputed. Whatever
may be the exact history, it is certain that the Presbyterian body
worshiped at a very early day at a place about a mile north of
this. They came long distances, bringing their tents with them
and remaining from Friday till Monday. A special tent was
provided for the speaker and from this the place came to be
known as the Tent, which name it still bears. It appears to have
been called also for a long time afterwards the tJnion Church,
probably on account of the old church, referred to above, bearing
that name. The services held at the Tent seem to have been
somewhat of the nature of the modern campmeeting. Services
were had continuously from Friday till Monday. It appears
that some of the worshipers were seized with "the falling sensa-
tion," as it was known in the South.
98 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
In 1780 the old log church on the Cataba war path was
burned down and in 1791 or '92 a meeting house was erected at
the present site of the Tent. It was a log structure, thirty-five
feet square, had a gallery on three sides and a bird's nest pulpit
on the fourth side.
So far as can be known, this church was organized about
1792 or '93. Previous to this time, members of the church liv-
ing within the bounds of the congregation were connected with
the churches of George's Creek and Laurel Hill. The Union-
town church was not organized till thirty years later. At the
time of the organization the number of communicants was small.
Three elders were ordained, viz. : James Orr, Joseph Hadden
and John Bell.
In October, 1793, the church united with that of George's
Creek in presenting a call for the ministerial services of Mr. Da-
vid Smith, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Redstone and a son
of the Rev. Joseph Smith. In 1794 he was ordained and in-
stalled pastor of these churches. He continued his labors here
only about three years and a half, when he was compelled to re-
sign, through failure of pecuniary support. He was a man of
deep piety and respectable literary ability, and his sermons were
rich and instructive, but his delivery was not engaging, nor were
his manners prepossessing. The congregation was not greatly
enlarged during this short period of his labors.
During the summer of 1798 the church was visited by Mr.
James Adams, a licentiate of Redstone Presbytery. After a
short acquaintance with him, the people were so well satisfied
with his ministrations, that in October following, they united
with the churches of George's Creek and New Providence, in
calling him to be their pastor. After some delay, he was in Oc-
tober, 1799, ordained and installed pastor of these congregations.
He served this church till the year 18 14, when he removed to
Ohio. Mr. Adams was a man of piety and unassuming man-
ners, but his delivery was not good and he attracted few to the
house of God who did not love religion for its own sake. He
ordained Samuel Salisbury and Hugh McClelland elders and re-
ceived and installed Benjamin Laughead.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 99
There is now a long vacanc}-, during which time the church
is left in a very destitute condition. But few supplies could be
granted by Presbytery.
The Rev. James Dunlap, during a short residence at New
Geneva, preached frequently for this church.
In 1 8 19 the Rev. Wm. Wylie having accepted a call and
settled in Uniontown, the Tent congregation obtained one-fourth
of his time as a Stated Supply, which they continued to enjoy
till his removal in 1823. Mr. Wylic's preaching was of a very
popular cast and under his ministry the congregation was
strengthened and several accessions were made to the church.
But the seed sown by his instrumentality afterwards yielded
more abundant fruit than was visible during his ministry. Mr.
Wm. Nixon was ordained an elder by Mr. Wylie in 1820,
The Presbytery of Redstone received under its care, April
2 1st, 1 818, Mr. A. G. Fairchild, a licentiate of the Presbytery of
New Jersey. Previous to this he had spent some time in mis-
sionary work, having been licensed by his Presbytery, April,
1816. On the 1st of July, 1818, he was ordained as an evan-
gelist by Redstone Presbytery, then in session at Pittsburgh.
We have been informed by one who heard the first sermon he
preached in Fayette county, that the service was held in a pri-
vate house, in the place known as Haydentown. Word had been
sent out to come and hear the boy-preacher. He was very
modest and at the close of the sermon was advised by a friend to
take his eyes off the ceiling and look the people in the face. It
is believed that he was characterized by this modest peculiarity
all his life. April 21st, 18 19, he was stationed at George's Creek
and Greensboro, at a salary of $175 for the half of his time. In
July 2d, 1822, he accepted a call to George's Creek, Greensboro
and Morgantown, for five-sixths of his time. The support prom-
ised was $2,2i3-o3- I" October, 1823, he supplied the Tent one
Sabbath. In April, 1824, he was appointed Stated Supply at the
Tent for the one-sixth of his time. The following year one-
fourth of his time was taken. He says, "down to this period no
records had been kept of the church; it was, therefore, with
some difficulty that the number of the communicants was ascer-
lOO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
tained to be about fifty-two, of whom only six were free-holders."
Among the number thus referred to, we find the name of Jane
Watt, who died, October i6th, 1882, aged one hundred years,
lacking one month. In 1825 a delightful refreshing was experi-
enced, which resulted in the addition of thirty persons to the
church on examination. Among the number were F. Hughes
Oliphant and Jane C. Oliphant.
In 1826 Mr. Fairchild was installed pastor of the Tent for
one-half of his time. The blessed results of the revival con-
tinued to be felt and we find among the number of conversions to
the church, between the years 1827 and 1830, the names of James
Snyder, Mary Snyder and Alexander Deyarman. In April,
1827, Mr. Fairchild asked leave to resign the charge of Morgan-
town and Greensboro. In October the request was granted and
at the same meeting of Presbytery a call was accepted to labor
at the Tent one-half of his time, the support promised being
;^200. In 1825 Mr. Fairchild ordained John Core and Abraham
Stewart elders; in 1830 he ordained Eliel Freeman; in 1831 re-
ceived John Kennedy Duncan and in 1832 ordained Alex. De-
yarman and Thos. Madden. Mr. Fairchild was settled over the
Tent congregation, November 2d, 1827, for one-half of his time,
by a committee consisting of Geo. Vaneman, who preached the
sermon, and Wm. Johnston who gave the charge.
In 1830 and '31, there was another revival, which resulted in
the addition of about fifty persons to the church. Still, Mr.
Fairchild says, "the peculiar circumstances of this church pre-
vent its becoming strong. In 1824, out of fifty-two members,
only six were free-holders, and at present, among 152 communi-
cants there are but ten. The greatest part of the members hav-
ing no permanent abode and compelled to shift their residence,
and thus the church loses the greater part of its increase."
Among those received by certificate in 1835, were Josiah S.
Vankirk and Matilda Vankirk; by examination, January, 1838,
Mrs. Ann Humphreys; May, i84i,Wm. Costcad; January, 1843,
Alfred Stewart; January, 1845, John Oliphant, Joshua V. Gibbons,
and Humphrey Humphries.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 10 1
The following elders were ordained or received by Mr. Fair-
child: Benjamin Blackford, in 1834; F. Hughes Oliphant, in
1838; John Richards, Josiah S. Vankirk and Thos. Towle, in
1843; Wm. Pastoris and John T. Smith, in 1850 and at the same
time, Samuel Duncan was received by certificate; Humphrey
Humphreys, in 1857. Mr. Samuel Robinson was installed, No-
vember, 1880. It is worthy of note that Dr. Fairchild's last offi-
cial act was that of moderating the session, August 15th, 1863,
for the purpose of receiving Mr. Lewis Snyder into the church.
Mr. Fairchild was not long a pastor of the Tent before he
began to preach at Fairchance. This he continued to do as long
as he lived — Fairchance being regarded as a part of the Tent
congregation. In 1845 ^^^^ present church building was erected
at Fairchance, chiefly through the liberality of Mr. F. H. Oli-
phant to accommodate Mr. Fairchild. In 1854, Dr. Fairchild re-
signed the charge of George's Creek, that he might devote the
whole of his time and strength to Tent and Fairchance. This he
continued to do till the event of his death.
The old log structure which was placed on the present site
of the Tent in 1791 or '92, was replaced by a brick structure in
1832-33, at a cost of about ;^ 1, 700. It is a sad fact, that two
men, viz.: Elder Thomas Madden and Henry Dimond were
killed in the work of removing the roof of the old log church.
Dr. Fairchild preached his last sermon in the Baptist church
of Smithfield, May 22d, 1864, from the text, Song of Solomon,
5-16: "This is my friend." While preaching this sermon he
was seized by his last illness, remitting fever. He died the last
hour of June. An old scholar standing by his bedside at this
time, exclaimed: "My Father, my Father, the Chariot of Israel
and the horsemen thereof" The Rev. H. O. Rosborough, the
successor of Dr. Fairchild in the pastorate of George's Creek
and his warm personal friend, preached the funeral sermon, from
Ps. 74-24: "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel and after-
ward receive me to glory." The service was closed with an elo-
quent address by the Rev. Samuel Wilson, D. D., of Dunlap's
Creek, a life long friend of the deceased. After these services,
which were held in the Old Frame meeting house, the four el-
102 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
ders of the Tent, viz.: F. H. Oliphant, Humphrey Humphreys,
John T. Smith and Alex. Deyarman, bore the precious dust of
this great man to their final resting place.
Singular injustice has been done to the memory of Dr. Fair-
child by the historians of Fayette county and of Redstone Pres-
bytery. His worth as a man — his greatness as an author — his
phenomenal work in the history of the church in this region,
have all been overlooked, not to say slighted. In the Providence
of God, Dr. Fairchild was raised up to beat back the tide of
fanaticism and false doctrines, and well did he do his work. He
was naturally modest and retiring and was almost forced into
this position by his brethren. His works have an almost world-
wide circulation and are of standard value. Dr. Fairchild, though
slighted by history, is sustained in the hearts of his people and
his friends. A professor of the Western Theological Seminary
missing Dr. Fairchild from Synod that year and learning the
cause, remarked : "The archer has been looking over the mem-
bership of this Synod and has selected the most shining mark
for his arrow."
For a number of years the church was served by supplies
and pastors who remained a short time. Among these were
Rev. Messrs. Wycoff, Hench, Perkins, Dickey, Martin and
Rogers.
On the morning of April i4th, 1878, the church was burned
down, having taken fire from a defective flue. Every member of
the congregation who came to church that morning was sadden-
ed in heart by the sight of the heap of ruins. This was a heavy
blow to the church, which was weak already from deaths and re-
movals of its members. Some predicted that the church would
not survive this loss, but they did not know the spirit of the men
to whose hearts the Tent was a sacred place. With characteris-
tic promptness and energy they went to work to repair the loss.
;^ 1, 500 was raised for this work and we have as the result, the
present neat and comfortable structure.
The building was rededicated on August 4th, '78, and the
Rev. S. S. Bergen was installed pastor of the congregation at the
same time. He continued to serve the congregation in this ca-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, IO3
pacity nntil March, 1882, when the pastoral relation was dis-
solved.
In May, 1882, the Rev. M. C. Bailey, a member of the Pres-
bytery of Carlisle, supplied the pulpit and received a call to serve
this church, in connection with the churches of Fairchance and
McClellandtown, giving the church the morning service of every
alternate Sabbath, the remuneration for these services being
;^300. Mr. Bailey accepted the call and assumed the work, June
22d, and in October 30th, of the same year, was installed by a
committee, consisting of the Revs. H. O. Rosborough and A. S.
Milholland. The winter following this installation the church
experienced a delightful work of grace. December 2d, 1883, the
following elders were ordained, viz. : Joseph Thomas, Chas. L.
Smith and Sam'l P. Custead, and Jared Burchinal was installed
at the same time with them.
McKEESPORT.
BY REV. J. J. M CARRELL.
The town of McKeesport was laid out in 1795. The earliest
record of Presbyterian services therein bears date of 180 1. At
this time commissioners from "McKeesport and vicinity," ap-
peared before the Presbytery of Redstone and made application
for the services of Rev. Boyd Mercer one half of his time. The
Presbyterians of McKeesport united with people of like faith, in
Pitt township (since Beulah Church), in supporting the Gospel.
Mr. Mercer continued his ministrations as "Supply," at intervals,
until 1822. To him belongs the honor of laying the founda-
I04 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
tions of organized Presbyterianism in this vicinity. The first
formal organization at this place, by the election of elders, was in
1 8 19. The first house of worship was erected the same year.
Until this time the congregation worshiped in different buildings,
in the houses and on the "grounds" of the members.
After the close of Mr. Mercer's labors, the church enjoyed
only occasional supplies for about two years. A call was then
extended to Mr. Alexander McCandless, a licentiate of the Pres-
bytery of Ohio, for his pastoral services for one-third of the
time, the church of Long Run calling him for the remaining
part. This call was accepted. Mr. McCandless began his labors
in the "Fall" of 1824, and was ordained and installed over the
united charge, April 20th, 1825. The membership of the Mc-
Keesport branch of his charge, at this time, seems to have been
about thirty. During the pastorate of Mr. McCandless the
church seems to have been materially strengthened, although
the growth in the membership of this part of his charge did not
keep pace with Long Run. At the close of this pastorate, in
1837, the roll of communicants numbered only fifty-two. Mr.
McCandless was a man of marked ability, fine scholarship, strong
convictions and builded v/ell. He organized the Sabbath School
work in the church. He may be said to have been the pioneer
of the temperance movement in this community. He severely
attacked the prevalent drinking customs and the destruction of
grain in the still. The first organized temperance society in the
community originated in the Presbyterian church during his pas-
torate in 1829.
The vacancy following Mr. McCandless' resignation contin-
ued about three years and a half, during which time the church
was ministered to by Presbyterial and other supplies.
Rev. Mr. Buston, of the Presbytery of Ohio, served as snp-
ply during the winter of 1839 and 1840.
In April, 1 841, the congregation called Mr. Wm. Eaton, a
licentiate of this Presbytery for one-third of his time, the re-
maining part given to Round Hill. Soon afterward the pastoral
relation was consummated and continued three years, termina-
ting, April, 1844. During this pastorate the first church build-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 05
ing was removed and the second, larger and more pretentious,
was erected.
The vacancy created by Mr. Eaton's resignation continued
one year. In September of this year (1844) Presbytery held its
first stated meeting in this church.
In April, 1845, the church secured the services of Rev,
Samuel Hill, of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, as Stated Supply
for six months. At the end of that time a majority of the con-
gregation desired his continuance. A respectable minority dis-
senting. Presbytery refused permission to employ him.
Through all these experiences the church enjoyed a measure
of growth and prosperity. In 1846 the membership had increas-
ed to 105.
In October, 1846, Mr. Prosper H. Jacob, a licentiate of the
Presbytery of Beaver, was employed as Stated Supply for six
months. At the close of this engagement, he was called to the
pastorate and ordained and installed, June 2d, 1847. For the
first time the congregation enjoyed the whole of a pastor's ser-
vices. This pastorate was fruitful in good works and substantial
growth. The weekly prayer meeting was organized. The benefi-
cence of the congregation was stimulated and developed. Dur-
ing the four years of this ministry the membership grew from
127 to 281. Discipline seems to have been faithfully adminis-
tered and the truth ably defended against open assailants. This
relation was dissolved, October 3d, 185 1.
During the winter of 185 1 and 1852 the church was served
by Revs. Nathaniel West, Sr. and Jr. The former was called to
the pastorate the following April. He entered immediately upon
his work, but was not formally installed until May 2d, 1854. Dr.
West, a veritable "Son of Thunder," came to the work well
equipped in body and mind. A man of strong convictions and
imperious will, he was often "a man of war." He would toler-
ate none who walked disorderly. His ministry was marked by
the discipline of many offenders, often indicating zeal untempered
by prudence and love. These frequent disturbances seem to
have seriously affected the growth and spirituality of the church.
Notwithstanding numerous accessions, the membership at the
I06 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
close was less than at the beginning of his ministry. Yet he
was instrumental in doing most valuable service. During his
incumbency the third and present (1887) house of worship was
erected. The people were soundly indoctrinated in the faith of
the Fathers. The Sabbath School was reorganized and placed
upon a more substantial basis. One sermon was substituted for
the primitive double service on the Sabbath and other salutary
changes were introduced. The fruitage of this strong but strange
ministry will not be known till the "great day of final account."
Dr, West's pastoral relation was dissolved, July, 1856,
The vacancy following the above dissolution was of short
duration. Robert F. Wilson, a licentiate of the Presbytery of
Huntingdon, was called to the pastorate, September ist, 1856.
Mr, Wilson was ordained and installed, November 20th, of the
same year. The church, at this time, with a membership of 194,
a commodious and substantial house of worship in the midst of
a prosperous and growing community, was in a condition for do-
ing great good, Mr, Wilson entered upon his ministry under
favorable circumstances. His pastorate of nearly eleven years
was marked by spiritual power and steady growth in every de-
partment of the church work. Three revivals occurred during
his ministry. Besides these revival times, there were constant
accessions as the months went by, making an average of about
eighteen on profession of faith each year of his ministry, besides
considerable accessions from other churches. At the close of
this pastorate the membership was reported at two hundred and
seventy. During these years, the benevolent enterprises of
the church at home and abroad were systematically cared for.
The records of this pastorate indicate a laborer conscientious and
faithful, needing not to be ashamed, and through the divine bles-
sing, a corresponding prosperity in the church. Those "troub-
lous times" of the civil war were assigned to this incumbency.
Some seventy-five of the sons of the church were in the army
and navy of the Union. The clouds which hung oftentimes so
heavy over the country at large, also gathered about this congre-
gation of God's people. Under these clouds the sun of this
successful ministry "went to his setting." Against the earnest
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. IO7
protest of friends, Mr. Wilson placed his resignation in the hands
of Presbytery, April, 1867, and was released. May 14th of the
same year.
The vacancy following the above resignation continued more
than two years. During these years supplies were regularly ob-
tained and repeated efforts made to secure a pastor.
In March, 1868, a call was extended to Rev. S. C. Logan,
then Secretary of Committee of Missions for Freedmen. The
call was declined, but Mr. Logan for a time served as regular
supply.
In July, 1868, a call was made for the services of Rev. W. S.
Wright, but declined.
In October, of the same year, a call was issued to Rev. W,
H. Gill, with like results.
Finally, in April, 1869, a call was made for the services of
Rev. G. M. Hair, of Baltimore. This call was accepted and the
installation took place, November 9th, following. Prosperity
seemed to visit the church once more. A Domestic Missionary
Society had been formed among the ladies during the preceding
vacancy. A Dorcas Society in the Sabbath School for clothing
children in need of such aid was added. The church was, at an
early day, free from debt. The church building was lighted
with gas. During the first year of this ministry the member-
ship increased 242 to 288. The benevolent causes of the church
were systematically aided. The congregation acquired fixed
habits of worship. The Sabbath School was more prosperous
than ever. The outlook seemed bright, indeed. Financial diffi-
culties, however, began to appear in deficiencies in the current
expense funds. In the spring of 1871 the congregation resolved
to build a parsonage and finished it with an almost crushing debt
upon them. The people became so disheartened that the pastor
felt constrained to offer his resignation. The relation was dis-
solved, August 20th. 1872, after a ministry of less than three
years.
Rev. J. W. Wightman was called to the pastorate, October
I ith, 1872, after a vacancy in the church of less than two months.
He accepted and was installed, December 31st, of the same year.
I08 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Mr. Wightman found the congregation burdened with a debt of
$8,000 and the church property sadly in need of repairs.
Through "great tribulation" this heavy burden of debt was lifted
and the church once more enjoyed increasing prosperity. Large
ingatherings annually proved the presence of the Spirit in the
ministrations of the pastor and the hearts of the people. Not-
withstanding the great financial depression, not a blank appears
in any of the benevolent schemes of the church at large during
this pastorate. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was
organized and the whole work systematically pressed forward.
At the close of this pastorate, August 25th, 1877, the church
was on a firm financial basis. The membership had increased to
three hundred and twenty-seven, the Sabbath School to three
hundred and fifty.
After a vacancy of less than a month Rev. Samuel McBride
was called to the pastorate. He was installed, November 13th,
1877. This incumbency, of just two years, was an epoch in the
history of the church. A man of popular address, Mr. Mc-
Bride drew large congregations to hear him preach. In less than
two years more than one hundred were admitted to membership
on confession of faith, besides a number on certificate. In the
spring of 1879 the number of communicants was reported at
412. Difficulties, however, arose in the congregation. The well
established members became dissatisfied with new methods intro-
duced, and entertained grave suspicions as to the character of
doctrine preached. Want of confidence increased. The case
reached Presbytery. As a compromise, the pastoral relation was
dissolved, November 13th, 1879, Mr. McBride agreeing to leave
the bounds of the Presbytery. As a consequence of the whole
trouble, a large number of the communicants withdrew from the
church. Out of a membership of 412 reported to the General
Assembly in 1879, o^'x -04 were reported to Assembly of 1880.
Thus weakened, discouraged, almost paralyzed, the congregation
was left to begin again. During the winter of '79 and '80 the
church had supplies.
April 5th, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. J. K. McKallip
and was declined.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. IO9
Rev. Geo. N. Johnston was called to the pastorate, June 21st,
1880. The call was accepted and the installation took place, De-
cember 2 1st of the same year. This pastorate was largely one
of "strengthening the things that remained," gathering up the
fragments and combining the broken elements of the congrega-
tion. There was a considerable ingathering, and notwithstand-
ing many losses, at the close of this ministry, April 20th, 1884,
the membership had increased to 240, the church was united,
hopeful and in good condition for future usefulness.
May 19th, 1884, Rev. J. J. McCarrell, the present incum-
bent, was called to the pastorate. He accepted, took charge, Oc-
tober 1st, and was installed, December 5th of the same year.
This relationship has been blessed of God. The membership
has increased to 420, the Sabbath School membership to 470.
The women, children and young people are well organized for
Christian work "at home and abroad." The gifts to benevolence
have largely increased, as well as the support of the Gospel at
home, beyond any former period in the history of the church.
The church property has been improved at an expense of more
than $8,000, including a pipe organ. The congregation is free
from debt. The outlook is hopeful and promising. Thus God
has led this people into a "large place."
The following is the roll of the eldership from the beginning
of the organization: Wm. Penney, ordained 1820; died, Febru-
ary 5, 185 1. Wm. Sill, ordained 1820; died, February 28, 1841.
James Evans, ordained 1820. Hamilton Stewart, ordained 1838;
died, April 3, 1879. Fauntley Muse, ordained 1838; dismissed
1850. John Gray, ordained 1840; dismissed 185 1. H. D. Gam-
ble, ordained, September 19, 1847; died 1851. Wm. Lawhead,
ordained, September 19, 1847; dismissed 185 i. John A. Miller,
installed, March 6, 1848 ; dismissed 1865. John McHenry, or-
dained 1852 ; dismissed 1856. Andrew Christy, installed, June
26, 1853; died. May 6, 1880. John Gardner, ordained, June 26,
1853; dismissed 1865. John Mcintosh, ordained, June 26, 1853;
ceased to act, January 29, 1854. John Lynch, installed, October
5, 1853; dismissed, April, 1856. Hugh Rowland, ordained, Au-
gust 28, 1859; died, April 28, 1866. Wm. Douglass, ordained,
no PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
August 28, 1859; dismissed, December, 1866. Thos. Plummer,
installed, February ii, 1866; dismissed 1875. Wm. J. Millar,
ordained, February 11, 1866; dismissed 1867. Jacob P. Learn,
ordained, February 11, 1866. Jas. H. Gamble, ordained, Febru-
ary II, 1866; dismissed . Philip Hodil, ordained, Febru-
ary 16, 1886; dismissed, December 3, 1866. Alex. Millar, or-
dained, August 31, 1873; died, July 18, 1878. Henry Stewart,
ordained, August 31, 1873. Dickson Bailie, ordained, August
31, 1873; dismissed, May, i, 1880. Walter Foster, ordained,
January 25, 1880. Jas. H. Williamson, ordained, January 25,
1880. Jas. S. Kuhn, ordained, January 25, 1880.
GREENSBORO.
BY ELDER A. V. BOUGHNER.
The church of Greensboro is situated in the village of that
name, Greene county. Pa. Little is known of its origin and pro-
gress, as there are no records from which to make a full and
satisfactory history. Prior to 1822, James Vance, who had been
an elder and had emigrated from Morristown, New Jersey, in
God's Providence was thrown in this community, where he was
enabled to be one of a few in sowing seed.
In 1 8 19 the united congregations of George's Creek and
Greensboro promised to A. G. Fairchild ;^I75 for one-half of his
time for the term of one year. In 1822, the united congrega-
tions of Morgantown, George's Creek and Greensboro, called
Rev. A. G. Fairchild, at a salary of ;?333.33 ; Morgantown to
have one-third of his time and to pay ^133.33, George's Creek
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I I I
another third of his time and to pay $135, and Greensboro one-
sixth of his time and to pay $65, making a total of ;^333.33.
It was in this year (1822) a lot was bought and a church
commenced. Several of the German families connected with, or
engaged in the manufacture of glass, who had removed from the
Fayette county side of the river to this in 1804 to 1806, and who
had been brought up in the Lutheran church, became Presby-
terians. In the erection of the church building at that day, the
cost was not so great as in after years. James. W. Nicholson,
the Oliphants and Albert Gallatin, some of whom were interest-
ed in the manufacture of glass, assisted and, through the efforts
of Dr. Fairchild, succeeded in getting the building up. It would
seem strange now, yet the bottle of whiskey was kept where the
workmen could get their dram while the wall was going up and
no harm thought of it. The German families spoken of had
been engaged in the manufacture of glass, at what was known as
the "Old Glass Works," on George's Creek, Fayette county.
Gallatin was a partner.
On the occasion of the installation of Dr. Fairchild, Rev.
Wm. Wiley preached the sermon and Rev. Robert Johnson pre-
sided and delivered the charges to pastor and congregations.
This arrangement lasted till 1827. From this date the church of
Greensboro was without the regular stated ministrations of the
Gospel for a considerable period of time. This little, weak
church, like many others, has gone through some sad and varied
experiences. In the spring of 1836 the building was destroyed
by fire. This Providence was a serious drawback on a congre-
gation so feeble in numbers and strength. At length, however,
through the untiring, persevering efforts of Daniel Boughner and
a few others, the work of rebuilding was undertaken, and in
1840, had so far progressed, that the house was in a condition to
be occupied. The congregations of Connellsville, Uniontown,
George's Creek and New Providence, all gave as they felt able.
I have often heard father (Daniel Boughner) say he should
ever remember the kind offices of the elder Judge Ewing (Na-
thaniel), in introducing him to his friends, as well as for his per-
sonal aid in this trying time in the history of our little church.
112 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
In November, 1840, Rev. John McClintock, pastor of New
Providence and Jefferson congregations, began to minister at
Greensboro once a month, in the evening.
This arrangement lasted till 1845, when Rev. J. B. McKee
became Stated Supply at Greensboro, spending two Sabbaths
each month. The labors of Mr. McKee embraced a period of
about one year. I think the good old man died at West New-
ton. As there were no ruling elders connected with the Greens-
boro church, the membership was enrolled with George's Creek.
By order of Presbytery, they were dismissed from George's
Creek in 1853 and connected with New Providence.
On the retirement of Mr. McKee, Rev. John McClintock
again devoted a portion of his time to Greensboro, ministering to
the people on alternate Sabbaths, mainly in the evening, at an
annual salary of $s^ to $y^.
In May, 1866, by an agreement with New Providence, Mr.
McClintock gave up his charge at Jefferson and devoted that
proportion of time to Greensboro, believing he could accomplish
more good for Christ's Kingdom. Thus we were every fourth
Sabbath supplied with a morning service. For this additional
service we were to pay ^100. In the winter of 1866, quite a re-
ligious interest was manifested, and as a result, thirteen persons
were added to the church on examination, two of whom subse-
quently became ruling elders.
On the 15th of June, 1867, by order of Presbytery, the
church of Greensboro was reorganized by Rev. Joel Stoneroad
and Rev. John McClintock. The membership of Greensboro
Church in 1840, when Mr. McClintock began as supply, number-
ed seventeen. From 1840 up to 1867, the date of reorganiza-
tion, forty-five were received on examination. In the above-
named time, eleven died. In 1879, repairs to the church building
were completed, v/hich had been continued through several years,
at a total cost of over ^2,100.
On the 15th of June, 1867, the church was organized and
Alexander Vance Boughner and John Minor Crawford were
chosen elders. They were ordained by Revs. Messrs. McClin-
tock, Stoneroad and Rosborough. Mr. McClintock continued
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I 1 3
to serve our church till March, 1873, when, on account of age
and growing infirmity, he regarded it a duty, as well as a matter
of necessity, to relieve himself of the Greensboro charge and de-
vote his whole time to New Providence. Although all our mem-
bers seemed to realize that Mr. McClintock was perfectly justifia-
ble, yer it was a sad parting, indeed. At the close of the sermon,
he made the farewell announcement in a very feeling manner.
He spoke of many endearing associations he had formed and of
the necessity of the separation. The congregation, on hearing
the sad announcement, seemed to be entirely overcome and could
only express their love by weeping, some of them aloud.
Aged members went forward, embraced and kissed him, whilst
others gave their hand and a God bless you ! It was a scene that
will not be forgotten by those present while life lasts. We can-
not drop that good man's name in our little history. He organ-
ized our Sabbath School in July, 1855, and it has been kept up
to this time. Yes, it is hard to part with a friend, but it is more
trying to be separated from a godly man, under whose religious
teaching and influence many of us had grown up from infancy.
He cared for us "as a father careth for his children," and made
sacrifices no other man would make for our spiritual good. The
wreath is woven, the crown prepared for such a friend of Jesus.
From 1873 to 1874, we depended on supplies.
In 1874 we made a call for Rev. D. B. Rogers. On account
of the Sustentation Board not paying the amount expected, Mr.
Rogers resigned the charge before the close of the year. We
then drifted along till 1876.
In the spring of 1876, we called Rev. H. O. Rosborough for
one-fourth his time, at an annual salary of $200. This arrangement
lasted till the spring, 1887. During Mr. Rosborough's labors
with us, the membership increased from thirty-nine to eighty-
four. There are now about sixty-eight communicants. Mr. Ros-
borough's eleven years' service with us has been successful. He
resigned on account of bodily affliction. He has been a faithful
servant of Christ. At this date we are without a shepherd, with
no certain hopes of getting one. (This congregation now has a
pastor in connection with Jefferson, Rev. C. J. Forsythe.)
114 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
UNIONTOWN.
PREFACE.
This history is taken mainly from a history carefully pre-
pared by Rev. S. S. Gilson and published by the church in 1876,
and brought down to the present time, April, 1888, by Hon.
John K. Ewing, a member of session. A few foot notes are ad-
ded by the pastor, A. S. Milholland.
THE PREACHERS.
There was Presbyterian preaching here before there was a
church building or organization.
It is quite certain that Uniontown was occupied by Presby-
terian ministers as a place for preaching more than a century ago.
There were Presbyterian churches in this county with the minis-
try of the word in 1774. This place was embraced in the bounds
of Dunlap's Creek Church as early as 1776 and when ministers
were so near they would not neglect this point. The earliest
record is found in the minutes of Redstone Presbytery, as follows :
At a meeting of the Presbytery, at George's Creek, October
15th, 1799, application for supplies was made by the vacant con-
gregation of Uniontown. Rev. James Power was appointed for
one Sabbath and Rev. Samuel Porter for another. During the
following twelve years application was made at irregular intervals
for supplies which were appointed. No record can be found of
the date of the organization of the church.
About 181 2, Rev. James Dunlap, a man of considerable
ability, an ex-President of Jefferson College, came and remained
about two years. He was Principal also of an Academy, which
occupied the Madison College building. He preached occasion-
ally in the old Court House. In 18 16 he went to reside with his
son, Rev. Wm. Dunlap, in Abingdon, near Philadelphia, where
he remained till his death, November 22d, 1818, in the seventy-
fifth year of his age.
Up till 1 8 17 the preaching was very irregular.
Rev. William T. Wylie, a native of Washington county,
came in 1817, on the invitation of John Lyon, an eminent law-
Hun. Nathaniel Ewing.
See Appendix also.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I 1 5
yer, John Kennedy, afterward Judge, and John Miller, a citizen
of influence. His preaching gave great satisfaction, and after
two years of labor as Stated Supply he was called as pastor.
At a meeting of Redstone Presbytery held at Long Run,
April 2 1st, 1 8 19, a call was presented from this church and ac-
cepted, and arrangements were made for his installation on the
first Thursday of May, 1819. Rev. Messrs. Francis Herron,
Robert Johnson, James Guthrie and William Johnson, were ap-
pointed to install him as pastor.
The salary offered was unusually large — 5 1,000 annually, in
regular quarterly payments. It is believed to have been one of
the largest paid to a minister of the Gospel anywhere in the
United States at that time. Report was made to Presbytery at
Mt. Pleasant that Mr. VVylie was duly installed. Reverses came
on the congregation, and at Long Run, in 1822, "Mr. Wylie
presented a request from the trustees of the congregation, stating
that in consequence of the embarrassment of the times, and the
removal and the contemplated removal of some of their most effi-
cient subscribers, the congregation were unable to engage to Mr.
Wylie more than S300 a year for one-half of his ministerial ser-
vices, and that they were reluctantly constrained to desire the
Presbytery to release them from their former engagements to Mr.
Wylie, and Mr. Wylie agreeing to the request it was granted."
From this time Mr. Wylie preached occasionally at Wheeling.
He resigned his charge in October, 1823, and was dismissed to
the Presbytery of Washington.
Mr. Wylic's labors here were very successful. The growth
of the church was steady till near the close of his pastorate.
His physical appearance was imposing. He was tall, slender
and over six feet high. He was pleasant in conversation. He
entered the pulpit with great solemnity and was regarded as a
very popular and powerful preacher. He was searching and
faithful in his style, bold and pointed in his denunciation of sin
and spoke without notes. He preached in the old Court House.
He was again called as pastor in 1827, but declined the call.
From Uniontown, Mr. Wylie went to Wheeling, thence in
1832, to Newark, O., and in 185410 Port Gibson, Miss., where he
Il6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTOXE.
married his second wife. He returned to Wheeling in 1855, and
died there, May 9th, 1858, nearly eighty-two years of age. His
first wife v/as a daughter of Rev. David Smith, who preceded
him at Rehoboth and Round Hill, where he labored before com-
ing to Uniontown. She was a sister of Rev. Joseph Smith, D.
D., auther of "Old Redstone," and was the child born as related
on page fifty-seven of that book. She was a good woman and
deserves to be remembered as the mother of the Sabbath School
of this church.
For five years the church was supplied by Presbytery,
During this interval Rev. Dr. Fairchild preached very frequently.
In December, 1827, Mr. John Holmes Agnew, a licentiate
from the Presbytery of Carlisle, was received under the care of
Presbytery and accepted a call to Uniontown. January 26th,
1828, the Presbytery met here and ordained and installed him as
pastor. His salary was ;$400 per annum. He was the son of a
prominent physician of Harrisburg and a graduate of Dickinson
College. He was small and had a weak voice, but was a fine
scholar and writer and read his discourses. He was a good pas-
tor. Tovv'ard the close of his labors here he hardly came up to
the standard of orthodoxy, especially as he was thought to make
salvation depend too largel}^ on the human will. In the disrup-
tion of 1838 he went with the New School branch. Mr. Ag-
new resigned in 1831, chiefly on account of ill health and at once
accepted the Chair of Languages in Washington College and
was dismissed to Washington Presbytery. Afterward he was a
Professor for a short time in Michigan University; conducted a
Ladies' Seminary at Pittsfield, Mass.; became editor of the Eclec-
tic Magazine in New York; also taught in a Female Seminary
near Cincinnati, and died several years since at his home on the
Hudson river. While in Uniontown he married Miss Taylor, of
Brooklyn. She was an estimable lady, earnestly desiring to aid
her husband in his work.
Mr. Joel Stoneroad preached the next Sabbath after Mr.
Agnew left and was ordained and installed as pastor, December
14th, 1 83 1, on a salary of ^500. As a fuller notice of Mr. S.
will appear elsewhere, it is only necessary to say that this pastor-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, I I /
ate continued for ten years and a half, the longest in this history.
It was signally blessed, the average admissions on examinations
being twelve persons each year. Mr. Stoneroad resigned, April
1 2th, 1842, and went to the Cross Roads Church, Presbytery of
Washington.
Rev. Andrew Ferrier, D. D., a minister of the United Seces-
sion Church, Scotland, a member of the Presbytery of Glasgow,
and Decommended by the Presbytery of New York, was sent as a
supply. On the 29th of November, 1842, he was installed as
pastor, on a salary of $500. He was a man of decided ability
and preached fine old orthodox sermons. But his Scotch brogue
made him hard to understand. He resigned his charge, August
6th, 1844, and went to the Scotch Church in Canada, and of his
subsequent history nothing is known.
Next came Rev. Griffith Owen, who was installed here on a
salar}' of $500, June 26th, 1845. ^^ ^^'^s a zealous, whole soul-
ed, off-hand Welshman ; a good pastor and a very good preacher,
whenever he applied himself He was noted for his itinerancy,
both in preaching and visiting from house to house. He re-
signed, November nth, 1847, being called to the Third Pres-
byterian Church of Baltimore. (He was also pastor of the
South P.resbyterian Church, Philadelphia, and General Agent of
the American Sabbath School Union in the State of Mar^'land.
He died in Baltimore, Md., January 14th, 1870).
Rev. Moses Allen Williams was installed pastor, November
20th, 1849. ^^s salary was $500. He had labored as Stated
Supply from February till this date. Mr. Williams resigned this
charge in 1852. He was the son of a ruling elder, Benjamin
Williams, in Mingo congregation, and was born, September 20th,
1 84 1, and graduated at Jefferson College in 1839. Mr. W. was
a godly man and an excellent pastor and a fair preacher. He
wrote his sermons in full and read closely. After leaving this
he labored in Valparaiso, Chili, S. A., till 1856, when he came back
to the Pacific coast, which he has thoroughly explored, enduring
great hardships in doing it. He organized a church in Napa
City and one in Jacksonville. "In 1858, in the fall," he writes,
"I returned to Roger's River Valley, where I have been laboring
Il8 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
ever since. I scarcely ever see the face of a Presbyterian minister.
This valley is surrounded with high, grand mountains and pos-
sesses the finest climate in the world. I am sixty-five years of
age and can ride all day almost as well as ever. Uniontown was
technically my first and last pastoral charge."
Rev. James H. Callen came next in the pastorate and was
installed, April 27th, 1853, on a salary of ;$500. He was an
Irishman, with very pleasant manner. His sermons were brief,
finished in bright style and well read. As a pastor he was ordi-
nary. He was of medium height, with good appearance in the
pulpit. He resigned, April loth, 1855, to accept a call to a
church in the east. When this history was prepared he was an
evangelist in Brooklyn and had received the title of D. D. (His
name is not now, 1888, on the roll and he is probably dead.)
Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton was called, April, 1856, having
preached from October previous, and installed as pastor, May
13th, 1856. His is the second longest pastorate of this history.
Mr. Hamilton was born in Monongahela City, Pa., March 24th,
1824; graduated at Washington College, 1844, at the age of
twenty; the Western Theological Seminary, 1849; licensed by
the Presbytery of Ohio (now Pittsburgh) in '49, and ordained and
installed by the same Presbytery as pastor of Center Church,
near Canonsburg, Pa., in 1850.
Mr. Plamilton is a man of far more than average talent and
ability. He is a fine writer, with a keen, pointed and discrim-
inating style. He resigned his charge here, May 31st, 1866, af-
ter a pastorate of ten years. In 1868, September 7th, he took
charge of the churches of Salem and Livermore, in Blairsville
Presbytery, where he labored with great acceptance for seven
years. After resigning this charge he removed to Blairsville,
where he lived a short time and then went to Washington, Pa.,
where he still resides and is Stated Supply of Mt. Pleasant
Church. He was Professor for a time of Intellectual Philosophy
and Ethics in Washington and Jefferson College. This College
bestowed upon him the title of D. D. Dr. Hamilton's salary
was ;^6oo at first and was after raised to ^800. (He was com-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 19
pelled on account of ill health to give up preaching a year ago.
He is a Trustee of Washington and Jefferson College.)
Rev. Walter W. Ralston was installed pastor of this church,
April 28th, 1867, on a salary of $1,200 and a house rent free.
He is a native of Ohio, a graduate of Jefferson College and
Princeton Theological Seminary. He is a good preacher, with
an excellent voice. He usually read his discourses. He was a
fair pastor. October ist, 1873, he resigned this charge to accept
a call to Xenia, Ohio. In 1875 he resigned his charge in Xenia
and labored for a time as agent for Washington and Jefferson
College and then settled in Bridgewater, Pa., in 1876, where he
now labors. (Afterward Dr. Ralston was pastor at Dennison,
Ohio, and is now pastor of Beulah Church, Presbytery of Blairs-
ville.)
This closes the succession to the present pastorate. There
have been ten ministers. Five were here less than three years,
and the average length of their pastorate was about six years.
The present pastor, Rev. Samuel S. Gilson, was born in
Westmoreland county, October 28th, 1843, graduated at Wash-
ington and Jefferson College in 1866, at the Western Theologi-
cal Seminary in 1869 and took a fourth year at Union Theological
Seminary, New York. He preached two summers at Garrison's,
on the Hudson. He was called to Bowling Green, Ky., April
1st, 1871 ; in just three years he was called to Uniontown, and
was installed pastor. May ist, 1874. Rev. J. P. Fulton presided
and preached the sermon, Rev. John M. Barnett gave the charge
to the pastor and Rev. George Hill, D. D., to the people.
(Mr. Gilson resigned in 1879 and labored from '80 to '83 in
Dennison, O., when he was called to a place on the editorial
staff of the "Herald and Presbyter," Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
still continues.
THE ELDERS.
(Want of space compels the omission of much of the ex-
cellent history of the members of Session and its acts, prepared
by Mr. Gilson.)
In the old Session Book of this Church, the first record
made in 1825, is signed by Joseph Kibler, Thomas Lewis and S.
I20 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Y. Campbell. These were the first elders of this church. Be-
fore this, at communion seasons, assistance was rendered by el-
ders from neighboring" churches.
Joseph Kibler is spoken of as a godly and active man, faith-
ful and punctual in all his duties as a man and an officer. He
moved, October 8th, 1832, to Hillsboro, Ohio, where he was a
Ruling Elder till his death.
Thomas Lewis was faithful in all the duties of a Christian
and officer and was clerk of Session from the beginning of the
records till March 27th, 1832. His membership was transferred
to the Tent Church in 1841, within the bounds of which he died,
December 21st, 1849, aged sixty-one years.
S. Y. Campbell appears to have acted as elder about two
years ; until 1827.
In 1829, September 28th, John Kennedy Duncan and Dr.
Hugh Campbell were ordained to the sacred office. Mr. Dun-
can was born and raised in Carlisle, admitted to this church upon
certificate, and at once elected elder and served faithfully for one
year and was dismissed in 1830 to the Tent Church. Thence he
removed to Springhill ; thence to low^a City and thence to Du-
buque, where he died in 1869.
Dr. Hugh Campbell was born in Uniontown, Pa., May ist,
1795, and died there, February 27th, 1876. His father was Ben-
jamin Campbell, who was born at New London Cross-roads,
Chester county. Pa., and his mother was Mary Adair, of Cooks-
town, Ireland, and afterwards of London, Franklin county, Pa.
His father was a silversmith, who removed from Hagers-
town, Md., to Uniontown, about 1778, where he died, September
24th, 1843. He was a man of modest means, with twelve child-
ren, to whom he could of course give but small advantages of
education. He was a member of the Presbyterian church of
Uniontown from its organization. Dr. Hugh Campbell obtained
what education he could at his home and attended Jefferson Col-
lege one year, 1812— 13. He studied medicine with Dr. Daniel
Marchand, of Uniontown, and attended the University of Penn-
sylvania, at Philadelphia, where he graduated and in 1817 opened
his office as a physician and surgeon in Uniontown. In
Hugh Camprell, Wl. D.
See Appendix also.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 121
September, 1823, he married Miss Susan Baird, of Washington,
Penn'a, a sister of Judge Thomas Baird. She died in 1824.
April 15th, 1828, Dr. Campbell was married in Chambersburg,
Pa., to Miss Rachel Broome Lyon, a daughter of Samuel Lyon,
Esq., of Carlisle, Pa. By this marriage there were eight children,
six of whom are (1888) still living. The subject of this sketch
joined the Presbyterian church of Uniontown, October 9th, 1825,
at the same time with Nathaniel Ewing, his life-long friend and
fellow laborer in the church. He was ordained and installed an
elder in this church, September 28th, 1829, and served as an ac-
tive member of Session till his removal to Allegheny, Penn'a,
in 1865, to enter on his duties as Warden of the Western
Penitentiary. While there he was an elder in Dr. Swift's
Church. He returned to Uniontown to reside in 1868. He was
a Commissioner to the General Assemblies of 1833, 1834, 1835,
1836, 1838, 1847, 1858 and others. He also represented the
Presbyterian Church of this country in the Scotch Assembly at
Edinburgh in 1869. Dr. Campbell was a man of eminent ability
and exercised great influence for good. He was a close student
of the Bible all his life. Amongst his last words were, "I feel it
is by the grace of God, I am what I am."
Hugh Espey was elected an elder, December 25th, 1831.
He was clerk of Session from March, 1832, till 185 i. He was
born in the bounds of Tyrone Church, where he made a profes-
sion of religion at an early age. About 18 12, he removed to
Rising Sun, Ind., and was made a Ruling Elder at the organiza-
tion of the church there, in 18 16. On account of poor health
he returned to Pennsylvania, in 1822, and died at his home here,
trusting in Jesus, in 1852. He was a most excellent man.
Hon. Nathaniel Ewing was born in Fayette county. Pa., July
1 8th, 1794. He was the son of William tawing, who came into
Fayette county as a surveyor in 1790 and settled in the Dunlap's
Creek neighborhood, and married Mary, daughter of Jehu Con-
well. He graduated at Washington College under Dr. Matthew
Brown, in 1812, with the highest honors of his class. He taught
a year in Newark, Delaware, then studied law with Hon. Thomas
McGiffin, of Washington, Pa., and was admitted to the Washing-
122 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
ton bar in June, 1816. The next year he removed to Uniontown,
where he resided till his death, February 8th, 1874, in the eighti-
eth year of his age and the forty-first of his eldership. He uni-
ted with the church, October 9th, 1825, and February 3d, 1833,
he was ordained as Ruling Elder. In 1822 he married Jane, the
second daughter of the late Judge Kennedy, a most estimable
lady, who died in 1825. She was the mother of John Kennedy
Ewing, a member of the present Session. In 1830 he married
Ann Lyon, daughter of the late Rev. David Denny, of Cham-
bersburg. In 1838 Mr. Ewing was appointed by Governor Rit-
ner. President Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial district to fill a
vacancy caused by the resignation of Judge Baird. He served
the constitutional term of ten years and left the Bench with in-
creased confidence on the part of the people in his integrity and
legal qualifications and without a stain on his judicial ermine.
One of the Judges of the Supreme Court, himself a great law-
yer, said he was the best Common Pleas Judge in the State. Af-
ter leaving the Bench, he did not return to the practice of law,
except in occasional cases in behalf of old friends. He was a
fine ecclesiastical lawyer and had great influence in the General
Assembly, of which he was a member in 1836, 1837, 1839 and
1850, as Commissioner from the Presbytery of Redstone. Judge
Ewing was the most eminent, useful and influential citizen of
Fayette county in his day and he also exercised his activity, in-
fluence and talents in the cause of Christ. To the very close of
his life there was no apparent weakening of his powerful intel-
lect. As in life, so in death, he leaned on God as the strength of
his life and his eternal portion, and on a Sabbath morning quietly
breathed his last on earth and began his eternal Sabbath in
Heaven.
William Redick and Charles Brown were ordained elders,
February 3d, 1833, by Rev. Joel Stoneroad. Mr. Redick served
as elder till 1856, when he removed to the State of Illinois, where
he now lives. He was born in Venango county in 1799. He
was a good man and served with acceptance to the people.
Mr. Brown ceased to act at his own request. He left
Fayette county in 1848 and now resides in Western Virginia.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 23
David Veech was elected an elder in this church, January
13th, 1845. He was born in Fayette county, June 6th, 1781, of
Scotch-Irish parentage. He removed to Greene county in 18 12,
and was ordained elder in the New Providence Church. In 1832
he settled in the bounds of Dunlap's Creek Church and served as
an elder there till he came to Uniontown in 1839. ^^ served
with great acceptance here till laid aside from active service in '61.
His death occurred, February 14th, 1866. He was a good man
and the memory of his influence and works is still fragrant
among us. He was the father of James Veech, Esq., long a res-
ident of this community.
SIMON B. MERCER AND BENJAMIN CAMPBELL.
On the 15th of April, 1866, Mr. Mercer was installed and
Mr. Campbell ordained and installed as elders in this church.
Mr. Mercer was formerly an elder in the church of Bridgewater,
Pa. He served here but one year when he removed to Salts-
burg, Pa., where he was installed as elder.
Mr. Campbell was clerk of Session from June, 1866, till
June, 1873. He ceased to act from 1873. He was the son of
Dr. Hugh Campbell and still resides amongst us.
Jasper Markle Thompson, John Kennedy Ewing, Alexander
Wilkinson Boyd and William McCleary, constitute the present
(1876) Session. Messrs. Thompson and Ewing were ordained
and installed, March 4th, i860.
Mr. Thompson was born in Kentucky, August 30th, 1822,
and came to Uniontown from Westmoreland county, of this
State, in 1848, and confessed Christ here. He was a member of
the Legislature in 1873.
Mr. Ewing was born, December 15th, 1823 and has resided
here all his life. He was Commissioner to the General Assembly
that met in Pittsburgh in 1865. (Judge Ewing was also a mem-
ber of the Assembly that met in Omaha, Neb., in 1887. He was
Chairman of the Committee on the Board of Aid for Colleges
and Academies. He also introduced a series of resolutions
recommending important changes in "The Church at Home and
Abroad," which was adopted.)
124 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Mr. Boyd, born April ist, 1831, came by letter from the
United Presbyterian Church and was ordained to the office of
elder here, April 15th, 1866. He was a delegate to the General
Assembly of 1874.
Mr. McCleary, born October loth, 181 3, came from the M.
E. Church, by letter, to the Old Frame Church in this county,
and was ordained as an elder by Rev. H. O. Rosborough, the
pastor, May ist, 1864. He became a member of Session here,
October loth, 1868.
DEACONS.
In December, 1867, William H. Bailey. William H. Miller,
Richard Miller and Daniel F. Cooper, were elected, ordained and
installed as Deacons and the care of the church property passed
from the care of Trustees into their hands. W. H. Bailey was
made treasurer.
THE CHURCH.
Before 1825 the membership is unknown. Dr. Fairchild
held the first election for elders, of which there is any record and
formally organized the church, February 24th, 1825. The mem-
bership then was fifty-three, of whom forty-two were women.
In 1826 it was sixty and at the close of Mr. Stoneroad's pastor-
ate, in 1842, 157. The largest addition made to the roll at any
time, was during the first year of Mr. Stoneroad's labors, when
forty-eight were added. During the last year of Mr. Hamilton's
labors, twenty-nine were received and, during the first two years
of Mr. Gilson's pastorate, seventy. In 1876 the roll showed 193
in communion. The six oldest members are Mrs. Elizabeth Lew-
is, received by confession and baptism, June 26th, 1825 ; Mrs.
Rachel Campbell, widow of Dr. H. Campbell, received by letter,
October 21st, 1830; Mrs. Ann L. Evving, widow of Hon. Na-
thaniel Ewing, received by letter, November 13th, 1830; Mrs.
Eliza Willson, by letter, October 6th, 1833 ; Mrs. Catharine Di-
cus, on examination, October 6th, 1833; Miss Agnes Dutton, on
examination, August 12th, 1836 (the last three are still in the
membership of this church, September, 1888.)
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 125
CONTRIBUTIONS.
The first record of a contribution occurs in 1829, when
;$3.oo were given to the Commissioners' fund. At first the con-
tributions were irregular and full statistics were not kept until
about twenty-five years ago. The benevolence of the church,
like its membership, though varying much in different years, has
in the main steadily grown. During the years covered by statis-
tics, this church has given in all over ^50,000, besides much of
which there is no record.
PRAYER MEETINGS.
The weekly prayer meeting has been in existence from a
very early period. Its experience has been the usual one, some-
times flourishing and sometimes languishing.
Judge Ewing and Dr. Campbell were constant and efficient
helpers. The prayer meeting has always been well attended by
the women of the church and there have been occasions when
there was not a man present. For fifty years, at least, a monthly
concert of prayer for missions has been kept up with more or
less regularity and with varying interest.
THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
The germ of this Sabbath School — the first in Uniontown —
was a class taught by Mrs. Wylie, in her own home. A school
was formally organized about 1820, and Rev. Wm. Wylie su-
perintended it till his removal to Wheeling. Miss "Betsey"
Hadden sometimes conducted it for long periods entirely alone.
After her death, the successive superintendents were Nathaniel
Ewing, Joseph Kibler, E. P. Oliphant, Dr. H. Campbell, W. H.
Bailey and A. W. Boyd.
In 1848 Dr. Campbell was elected superintendent and held
the office till 1865, the longest service ever given in this Sabbath
School by one man. Up to 1848 the average attendance annu-
ally was about eighty. During Dr. Campbell's superintendency
the contributions to the cause of missions were about 5i2i.
CHURCH EDIFICES.
The first services were held in the old Court House, which
stood on the site of the present one. About the year 1824, a
126 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
church edifice was begun, which after various difficulties was
completed and dedicated in January, 1827. It was on the pub-
lic ground, a little south of the site of the present Town Hall,
with the gable fronting Morgantown street and stood a little back
from the street. It cost about ^3,000. It was a plain, one-story
brick, about 30x50. Objection being made to occupying the public
grounds, the present location was purchased in 1836 and a second
building erected. Elder Wm. Redick was the architect, con-
tractor and builder of this new edifice. It was of brick, two-
story, with high windows answering for both stories, with vesti-
bule, steeple and bell, and large columns in front. The lecture
room was occupied in the fall of 1837 ^"*^ ^^e audience room the
next spring. It cost about ^5,500. The building was not very
satisfactory and a fire in April, 1857, which damaged the interior,
gave a reason for building the present edifice. This is of brick,
two stories, 47x75 feet in size, semi-gothic in style. The win-
dows are of stained glass. It was dedicated to God, April loth,
i860, and cost, exclusive of the lot, about $10,000.
The memorial fund raised by the congregation was appro-
priated to the building of a parsonage. This work was begun in
September, 1875, and completed in 1876, and stands as a
monument of the Centennial year. It was a handsome and
convenient brick house on Gallatin avenue and cost $4,200.
(This building was sold in 1879, as it was thought to be too far
out of town.)
Only two men have entered the Gospel ministry from this
congregation, Wm. Campbell and Samuel Campbell, sons of Dr.
Hugh Campbell.
The preceding pages bring our history to the close ot No-
vember, 1876. In December following, the congregation at a
meeting, properly called, declined to adopt the Rotary System of
Eldership. A. W. Boyd, a Ruling Elder, having removed, was
dismissed, April, 1877.
Charles L. Smith, Isaiah W. Miller, Morgan H. Bowman,
Josiah V. Thompson and Samuel E. Ewing, were elected Dea-
cons, June 1st, 1878, and all, except J. V. Thompson, who de-
clined, were ordained and installed, June i6th, 1878. Of the pre-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 12/
vioiis members of the Board, W. H. Bailey removed to Minne-
apolis, Minn., early in 1879; Richard Miller, died, July 7th, 1880,
and Daniel F. Cooper removed to Port Perry, Pa., March, 1888,
M. H. Bowman was made treasurer.
Rev. S. S. Gilson resigned the pastorate and the congrega-
tion acquiescing, the relation was dissolved, June, 1879.
A call was made, April 17th, 1880, for Rev. A. S. Milholland
and accepted and he was installed as pastor, June, 1880.
James A. Phillips, John A. C. Boyd and Nathaniel Ewing
were elected elders, April 21st, 1883, and ordained and installed,
May 6th, following. C. L. Smith, deacon, was dismissed, Ma}-,
1883. and J. A. Phillips, elder, January, 1888.
The degree of D. D. was conferred on Rev. A. S. Milhol-
land, by the University of Wooster, O., June 24th, 1885.
During the latter year, the congregation erected a handsome
brick parsonage.
Mr. H. S. Clark is Superintendent of the Sabbath School
and it has increased from 100, as reported, April ist 1877, to 263.
There were added to the church last year on examination, twen-
ty-four, of whom eleven were baptized, and by letter, sixteen.
The number of communicants has increased from 193, April ist,
1877 to 310, April ist, 1 1
BROWNSVILLE.
BY REV. B. M. KERR.
The exact date of the organization of this church is un-
known. Probably the congregation never was formally organ-
ized, as all new congregations now are, and it may not have had
any Ruling Elders for years. In the minutes of the Presbytery of
128 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Redstone under date of October 15th, 181 1, is the earliest men-
tion which has been found of Presbyterian worship at Browns-
ville. At that time the Rev. Boyd Mercer — for whom the com-
piler of this was named — applied for permission to continue
preaching to the people of Brownsville and Uniontown. The
Presbytery of Redstone declined to sanction the existing engage-
ments because not made agreeably to the required regulations,
Mr. Mercer being a member of the Presbytery of Ohio.
On the 20th of April, 181 3, Mr. Wm. Johnston, a li-
centiate, under the care of the Presbytery of Ohio, applied to the
Presbytery of Redstone for admission. He was received on the
2 1 St and on the same day a call from the congregations of Browns-
ville and Dunlap's Creek for his ministerial services was laid be-
fore the Presbytery. On the 20th of October, 181 3, he was or-
dained and installed pastor over the united congregations. His
pastorate continued at Dunlap's Creek till December 3d, 1839,
and at Brownsville, in connection with Little Redstone, until his
death, which occurred, December 31st, 1841.
Mr. Thomas Martin was his successor over these now
united congregations. He began his stated labors, April ist,
1842 and was ordained and installed pastor, Januaiy 4th, 1843.
He continued in this relation just nine years and was greatly be-
loved. Feeble health required rest and a change of climate.
The date of his decease is unknown to the writer.
Mr. Robert M. Wallace commenced his labors over
the united congregations, January 28th, 1853, and was ordained
and installed, June 15th, 1853. This relation continued until
February 17th, 1864. At the same time Mr. Wallace was dis-
missed to the Presbytery of Huntingdon, in order to his accept-
ance of a call to the Presbyterian Church of Altoona, Pa.
Mr. Joseph H. Stevenson followed, May 4th, 1864, and
was ordained and installed, October 14th, 1864. On the 24th of
April, 1866, Mr. Stevenson presented to the Presbytery a request
from the two churches to be recognized as separate and distinct
organizations. The Presbytery acceded to the request, and con-
stituted the elders residing in the bounds of Brownsville, togeth-
er with the pastor, as the Session of the Brownsville Church.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I 29
After a pastorate of nearly four years, Mr. Stevenson resigned in
April, 1868. He was succeeded by the Rev. E. P. Lewis, who
served the church acceptably for some three or four years.
The Rev. W. W. McLane was called to this church, Decem-
ber 19th, 1873, and was installed pastor. May 13th, 1874. This
relation continued until April, 1878, when, at the request of the
pastor, it was dissolved by the Presbytery and Mr. McLane was
dismissed to the Presbytery of Steubenville.
Rev. A. S, Milholland was called to the pastorate, Septem-
ber 1 8th, 1878. He served the church as pastor-elect for about
eighteen months. Declining the call he returned it to the Pres-
bytery, April, 1880.
Rev. A. B. Fields served the church as Stated Supply for
some two or three years, after whom, the Rev. W. G. Nevin was
called to the pastorate. In this capacity he served the church
nearly two years. Resigning, he was released in the fall of 1884.
Rev. A. S. Hunter served the church as Stated Supply for
one year, from January, 1886, to January, 1887.
In February, 1887, the Rev. B. M. Kerr was invited to sup-
ply the church for one year and on the first of March following,
he and his family took possession of the new and commodious
parsonage which had just been finished. On the evening of
May 2d, 1888, Mr. Kerr was installed as pastor.
Until after 1875 the Presbyterians of Brownsville had no
regular house of worship.
On the 14th of June, 181 5, Joseph Thornton, John Steele,
and John Johnston, trustees of the congregation of Brownsville,
purchased for ;^200, and five shillings annual ground-rent, lot No.
3 on Second street, having a front of sixty feet and extending 180
feet to Market street. It was conveyed to them "in trust for the
use of the Presbyterian congregation of Brownsville for the pur-
pose of erecting a meeting-house thereon, for the benefit of the
congregation aforesaid." Soon afterwards there was built on the
Second street front a brick edifice, which was used as a house
of worship until the present church was completed on the same
lot but frontingf on Market street.
130 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Of the elders, William Parkhill was the only one living with-
in the bounds of the Brownsville Church, at the time of its sep-
aration from Little Redstone Church, in April, 1866. On the
22d of August, 1873, A. J. Isler and Josiah Reed were elected
Ruling Elders, and on the 13th of September, 1876, J. R. Pat-
terson was elected to the same office. On account of resigna-
tions and removals, Mr. Wm. Parkhill is, and for some time has
been, the only Ruling Elder.
The church now (January 30th, 1888), numbers 134 mem-
bers. A Sabbath School connected with the church has an at-
tendance of about 100, including teachers, and is under the effi-
cient superintendency of Mr. William Parkhill. The church
contributes quite liberally to all the Boards as recommended by
our General Assembly.
CONNELLSVILLE.
BY REV. W. A. EDIE.
Within a few years after its incorporation as a borough in
1 806, Connellsville became the home of several Presbyterian fam-
ilies. Religious services were held at frequent intervals, con-
ducted, in part, by the Rev. James Guthrie, pastor of the Ty-
rone Church and, in part, by the Rev. William Wylie, pastor at
Uniontown. These families were connected, however, with the
Tyrone Church until the year 1831, when, on the 4th day of Oc-
tober, the Presbytery of Redstone, in accordance with their own
request, organized them as a cchurch. Twenty-two names
were enrolled, viz. : Mr. Alexander Johnston, Mrs. Alexander
Johnston, Miss Nancy C. Johnston (now Mrs. Blackstone), Mr.
■^^ Samua Sari^'^'^
^OC-tZf
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I3I
Wm. Lytle, Mrs. Mary Lytle, Mr. Isaac Taylor, Mrs. Rachel
Taylor, Sarah Turner, Dr. Joseph Rodgers, Mrs. Elizabeth Rod-
gers, Elizabeth Carson, Nancy Norton, Louisa Norton, Mar-
garet Francis, Harriet Fuller, Margaret Lytle, Caroline Trevor,
Mary Barnett, Samuel Finley, Mary Finley, Samuel McCormick
and Elizabeth McCormick. Of these twenty-two persons, nine-
teen had belonged to the Tyrone Church. Mr. Alexander John-
ston, already an Elder in the Tyrone Church, served as the first
and, for several months, as the only elder in the Connellsville
Church. An Irishman by birth, a Presbyterian by conviction, a
man of great force of character and of great perseverance in
Christian work, to him the church is largely indebted for its suc-
cess in the early years of its history. After a busy life of more
than four score years, he died on the 3d day of September, 1864.
Mr. Johnston's official responsibilities were lightened when, on
October 28th, 1832, Messrs. William Lytle, Isaac Taylor and Jo-
seph Paull were added to the eldership of the church. Of these
persons, William Lytle died, December 7th, 1 845 ; Isaac Taylor,
August 29th, 1869; and Joseph Paull, February 14th, 18S0. On
the 7th of March, 1844, Robert Torrence, Noble C. McCormick
and Wm. Cunningham, all now dead, were made elders. On
January 7th, 1850, Wm. McCrea, John Taylor and Joseph H.
Cunningham were added to the list; September 29th, 185 i, Sam-
uel Russell; March 20th, 1866, Robert Beatty; April i6th, 1873,
John R.Johnston; second Sabbath of February, 1874, Thomas
W. Watt; April 5th, 1874, A. B. Hosack and H. C. McCormick;
Nov. 28th, 1875, Wm. Barnett; May 6th, 1878, Charles N. Boyd;
and December 7th, 1879, James Calhoun. Of these, three have
been released by certificate the others, with the exception of one
suspended, have been released by death. The present eldership
is composed of James Allen, installed, February 24th, 1868; Adam
Armstrong, ordained, November 28th, 1875 ; Jacob May, May 6th,
1878; Hugh M. Kerr, December 7th, 1879; James L. Paull and
William D. McDowell, September 4th, 1883. (Mr. Paull was or-
dained and installed, April i6th, '"j^, but in '74 was transferred
to Dunbar, returning to Connellsville Church, May 26th, 1883.)
It will be seen, from this statement, that, from the organization of
132 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
the church to the present date, twenty-five names have been en-
rolled as elders.
The petition, presented to the Presbytery, asking for an or-
ganization, was accompanied by a request for supplies. Accord-
ingly, the records show that Rev. T. M. Chestnut supplied the
church for some time in 1831, and Rev. John L. Hawkins acted
as Stated Supply from December 15th, 1831, till June 20th, 1837.
There have been eight pastors.
Rev. John L. Hawkins, the first pastor, was installed, June
20th, 1837, and was released, April 12th, 1843.
Rev. Ross Stevenson, the second, was installed, June 13th,
1845, ^^^ released in October, 1852.
Rev. James Black, the third pastor, was installed, June 14th,
1853, and released in April, i860.
• Rev. N. H. G. Fife, the fourth, was installed, April 29th,
1863; released, November 29th, 1867.
Rev. A. B. Fields, the fifth, was installed, January 29th,
1868, and released, June ist, 1869.
Rev. John M. Barnett, the sixth, was installed the third
Monday of May, 1870, and released, June ist, 1882.
Rev. A. Z. McGogney, the seventh, was installed, August
27th, 1882, and released, September 28th, 1886.
Rev. W. A. Edie, the present pastor, was installed. May 19th,
1887.
Among those who supplied the church during intervals of
vacancy, the records mention Revs. Wm. P. Moore and E. R.
Donehoo as having acted as Stated Supply, the former for one
year from March 24th, 1861, and the latter for six months from
June 2ist, 1862.
For several years after its organization, the congregation
held its services in other churches, its ordinary preaching ser-
vices in the Baptist church and its communion services in the
Methodist church.
On the 6th of January, 1839, the congregation was permit-
ted to enter a building of its own, an occasion of which the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 33
church record states that it "was marked with appropriate relig-
ious services." This building continued in use until March 29th,
1863, when it was destroyed by fire. The walls, however, were
left standing and the church was soon rebuilt.
The present structure, remodeled and built on the founda-
tions of the old, with chapel built in the rear adjoining, was dedi-
cated Sabbath, December 21st, 1884.
In 1871 a parsonage was erected on lots donated for the
purpose by Messrs. John Taylor, John R. Johnston and Thos.
W. Watt.
The town of Connellsville, which at the time the church was
organized had but a few hundred inhabitants, has now a popula-
tion of about four thousand and is surrounded by a thickly set-
tled community. It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that the
church should have received large accessions to its membership
during the period of its history. Organized with twenty-two
members, the records, in 1843, •'^how a membership of iii. In
1845 a number of members were dismissed to form the Indian
Creek Church, and, in 1874, eighty-six members were dismissed
to form the church at Dunbar. The present membership is
about 320. The large majority of the membership is in the
town of Connellsville; a number live in New Haven, however,
across the Youghiogheny river; some live in the country and
some in Wheeler and White Rock, neighboring towns. Ser-
vices, conducted by Rev. N. G. White, are held at regular inter-
vals in Wheeler, in a chapel owned by the Connellsville church.
A Sabbath School, also, under the auspices of the church, is held
in the same place. A congregational Sabbath School was es-
tablished early in the history of the church. The present mem-
bership is about 210, under the superintendence of Mr. James
L. Paull. Women's Missionary Societies, home and foreign,
have been in existence for several years, together with an Aid
Society, which has rendered valuable service in reducing the debt
on the new house of worship.
The semi-centennial anniversary of the church's history was
appropriately celebrated in October, 1881.
134 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
McCLELLANDTOWN.
BY ELDER GEORGE PORTER.
In the upland county of Fayette, in Western Pennsylvania,
a short mile almost due west from the little village of McClel-
landtown, in sight of the picturesque hills of the beautiful Mon-
ongahela, .stands the Presbyterian church of McClellandtown.
It is surrounded by a rich farming community. The land is
rolling, well-watered and fertile and the people are industrious,
prosperous and happy.
Regular Presbyterian preaching dates as far back as 1812
or 18 1 3, where Van Emon first, and after him Beeber, preached
in the log school-house, which stood on the farm of Elias Par-
shall. The school-house has long been torn down, and the little
company Avho worshiped there has almost all been called home
by the Master. Preaching was held in the school-house, and the
communion in the woods near by, on the farm now owned by
James A. Weltner. Two sermons each day of preaching were
had, morning and evening in winter, and in summer in daytime,
with an interval of two hours between. The preacher came
from the old Glade Church in Greene county.
This arrangement continued until about the year 1837, when
Rev. Samuel Wilson, then a young man, preached for the peo-
ple in the old brick Baptist church, which stood hard by the old
stone school-house, within easy view of our present church. He
preached here and at Masontown and taught school at Union-
town, but soon added Dunlap's Creek to his charge and then
dropped Masontown.
The interest deepening and members increasing, it was
deemed not only expedient, but necessary to organize a church
in this place, for which object thirty-nine members petitioned
Presbytery. In accordance with this request, Redstone Presby-
tery appointed Revs. William Johnson, A. G. Fairchild and Sam-
uel Wilson to organize a church. This committee on the 23d of
November, A. D., 1839, executed the will of Presbytery and
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 35
elected Thomas Wilson, Samuel Gettys, William Grov^e, Joseph
Deffenbaugh and Elisha Laughead as elders. Thus the present
church was organized, founded and started on its grand and
glorious mission as part of the great army of churches, to "fight
the good fight of faith."
Rev. Samuel Wilson was installed pastor, May 19th, 18 14,
over the large charge of Dunlap's Creek and McClellandtown.
He entered into the work with all the energy of his nature and
for a period of more than thirty years ministered acceptably to
the people "in season and out of season." He was a man who
prided himself on punctuality, a large man, of commanding
presence, and was loved and respected by all who knew him.
The congregation could rest assured on the morning of preach-
ing that he would be in the pulpit, ready to begin the service
promptly at eleven o'clock. If a little early, he might be seen
sitting upright in the saddle and coming in in fine shape; or if
time pressed him, leaning forward and tapping his horse at each
step with the old-fashioned cowhide, which every one carried
who rode on horseback at that time. Mr. Wilson's style of
preaching and his manner in the pulpit were looked upon at that
time as being perfect. He always read his sermons from full
manuscripts. They were well prepared, deep, searching and
thoroughly Presbyterian in all their details. Whatever he did was
always well done.
It soon became evident that a church ought to be built for
the growing congregation. Accordingly, at a meeting of Presby-
terians which was held in 1843, it was resolved to build a church
and the north-west corner of Jacob Deffenbaugh's farm was fixed
as the site for the new edifice. David Coffman, John Wilson,
Isaac Core and John Weltner were appointed to collect funds
and superintend the erection of the building. There were two
doors in the south end of the church. The male portion of the
congregation, with commendable pride and safety, entered by
the upper door with the easy step, and left the female portion to
get in as best they could over the rickety logs which served as
an approach to the lower door.
136 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
The congregation was very Puritan and exclusive when once
in the church, the males occupying one side and the females the
other, with a strong division between. If, by chance, a stranger
entered the wrong door and seated himself with the opposite sex,
the gravity of the congregation was disturbed and it was looked
upon as a good joke. The pulpit was at the north end of the
house and was very much "stuck up." It was reached by a flight
of three or four steps and a small door shut the preacher in from
the people. The roof of the old house was supported by
six wooden columns, on which hung tin candle-holders, for
the common "tallow dip." More style was displayed in the light
for the pulpit and glass candlesticks were used. The janitor's
duty was to tiptoe around by the pulpit and by the wooden pil-
lars, and snuff the candles carefully and solemnly with a
pair of old-fashioned snuffers, generally snuffing out about half
the candles and lighting them at their nearest neighbors. Of
course every one watched the snuffing operation and laughed
when a candle went out.
The clerk stood meekly in front of the pulpit ready to "start
the metre" and "line-out" the hymns. The minister read the
first two lines and then handed the book over and down to the
clerk, who then started the music and did the rest of the "lining-
out."
A Sabbath School was started in 1846, with Samuel Gettys
as superintendent, and without a single failure a school has been
held every summer since. Sometimes the school has almost
died out and then again it has revived and taken on new life and
energy and it is now in a flourishing condition. After Samuel
Gettys came Jacob Deffenbaugh as superintendent, then Joseph
Deffenbaugh, then Hugh J. Gilmore, then the writer of this his-
tory. The amount of good this school has done and is now do-
ing, can only be known when eternity shall reveal all things.
The old church was accidentally destroyed by fire in the fall
of 1865. This was a severe loss, but with a firm reliance on the
Divine Blessing, the little congregation set vigorously to work to
rebjuild the church. At a regularly called meeting of the con-
gregation, April 1 2th, 1865, it was resolved to rebuild on the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 3/
same site. A committee consisting of John Wilson, Hugh J.
Gilmore, Conrad DeiTenbaugh, John Coffman and Isaac P. Ken-
dall was appointed to superintend the erection of the new church.
It was dedicated, on the 15th of February, 1867, and now we
have this present solid, commodious and beautiful house of wor-
ship, the high old pulpit and the tin candle-holders gone.
Rev. Samuel Wilson resigned the pastorate in 1869, lamented
by all. He had been the spiritual father of nearly the whole
congregation and his memory will always be green in the hearts
of his people.
Rev. James P. Fulton was called in the fall of 1869. Dur-
ing his pastorate the same charge continued, Dunlap's Creek and
McClellandtown. Mr. Fulton was a man of deep piety and
earnestness. He generally read his sermons, but was seen and
heard to best advantage when he spoke without notes. His
great theme was a personal Saviour, the certainty of punishment
for sin and the all-powerful love of Christ for a world lost in
wickedness.
At the close of Mr. Fulton's pastorate the church of Dun-
lap's Creek notified the church of McClellandtown of their in-
tention to ask Presbyter^' to dissolve the relation of the churches,
as they had concluded to employ a minister the whole of his
time. This was a cruel blow to the struggling little church, as
it was emphatically the legitimate child of the old Dunlap's
Creek Church. Nourished by the mother church, the bounds of
each meeting, the members mingling together, theirs was a com-
mon interest and together they grew and prospered. This un-
natural act of a natural mother casting out her offspring left the
little church again out in the cold, with dissolution staring her in
the face. But determining not to be destroyed thus ruthlessly,
she soon formed a connection with Tent and Fairchance. Al-
though this was not a natural union, as the churches were in no
way identified, the connection has proved harmonious and the
churches are all prosperous and happy.
April 1st, 1879, Rev. S. S. Bergen was called to take charge of
the new-made pastorate, Tent, Fairchance and McClellandtown.
Mr. Bergen was a popular man in the congregation. He was an
138 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE,
earnest talker and expounder of the Scriptures, almost invariably
reading his sermons. His strong points were, the punishment of
men for ingratitude, carelessness, listlessness, and allowing them-
selves to drift unprepared into eternity, knowing better. Mr,
Bergen was most active in burnishing up the church outside and
in. Through his exertions the present roof was put on the
church and the modern and beautiful lamps hung in the inside.
He was dismissed at his own request, by Presbytery, April, 1882.
In October, 1882, our present pastor, Rev. M. C. Bailey,
was called, and has continued ever since to minister acceptably
to his charge. Mr. Bailey's style of oratory differs from all who
have preceded him. He speaks on all occasions without notes,
throws his whole soul into his theme and when fully aroused
fairly pounds his thoughts into his hearers. His great idea is
that prophecy is being fulfilled at this time and in this country.
That this is the limit of "Westward," that the "Star of Empire"
can go no farther, that here God intends to display His power
and that the history now making and to be made in the very
near future, will be momentous in import and more wonderful
than all that has gone before or will come after.
The growth of our church has been slow but sure. During
the last part of Mr. Wilson's pastorate, a special outpouring of
God's Spirit brought scores into the fold. At the dedication of
the new house there seemed to be a feeling of deep interest and
the meetings were continued from the day of dedication, Febru-
ary 15th, to April 14th, when forty were publicly taken into the
church and acknowledged Christ as their Saviour. This was,
indeed, a day long to be remembered in the history of the church
and the good effects are still seen and felt in this community.
Quite a number united with the church during Mr. Fulton's
charge and under our present pastor over twenty have been
added to the church, we hope of such as shall be saved.
During the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Wilson, Redstone
Presbytery held a regular session at our little church, which was
quite an event in her history. While Mr. Bergen ministered to
us a second meeting of Presbytery was held here, so this little
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 39
church has had the honor of entertaining two meetings of Red-
stone Presbytery.
At a meeting of the congregation held, November 12th,
1852, Johnson Vankirk and Jacob Deffenbaugh, Jr., were ordain-
ed Ruhng Elders. James Wilson and George H. Core were or-
dained and took their seats as Ruling Elders, April 25th, 1862.
James Scott, Conrad Deffenbaugh and George Porter were elect-
ed Ruling Elders, May 24th, 1868, and ordained, June 13th, 1868.
April 22d, 1877, George Dearth, Josiah B. Crow and Henry D.
Core were elected Ruling Elders, and on June loth, were by
prayer and the laying on of hands, regularly ordained. The
present elders are Conrad Deffenbaugh, George W. Core, Henry
D. Core, Josiah B. Crow and George Porter.
We are glad to say (not boastingly) that this church has
been and now is a blessing to the community in which it is
placed, not only to Presbyterians, but to the whole community.
The Sabbath School — a union one — welcomes all who come; for
the great work of the church is to save souls. The great duty
seems to be to save the souls of the children, believing that they,
well-educated morally, are the anchor to hold our country, not
only when torn and rent by political fury or bloody war, but to
hold it for God and His Christ.
During all these long years of prosperity, we are glad to
know our church has not been distracted and torn by dissensions
and quarrels. Free from scandal and complaining, we thank
God that we have passed so long without any of these scenes
that do so much harm to the cause of religion. Now, while we
are thankful for our present peace and good feeling, let us be
careful for the future and hand down this little church with her
honor as bright and untarnished as we found it and as it is now.
140 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
SPRINGHILL FURNACE.
BY REV. H. O. ROSBOROUGH.
Mr. John Kennedy Duncan, an elder in the Tent Church,
purchased Springhill Furnace and moved to the place in 1834.
Rev. A. G. Fairchild, D. D., was in the habit of preaching in the
neighborhood on week days. In 1836 a frame meeting-house
was built entirely at Mr. Duncan's expense. This house had
two front doors, with the pulpit between them. In 1879 this
building was repaired and remodeled, there being now but one
door and the pulpit in the opposite end of the house, at a cost of
^507, and the repaired building was dedicated, February 22d,
1880, by Rev. H. O. Rosborough. In 1841 the number of mem-
bers in the vicinity had increased to about twenty-five, when a
petition was forwarded to Presbytery for the organization of a
church. Presbytery granted the request and appointed a com-
mittee, consisting of Revs. Fairchild, Stoneroad and McLean, to
attend to the organization, the time being left discretionary with
the committee. The committee met, June i8th, the congrega-
tion having been previously notified. Rev. Joel Stoneroad
preached, Heb. 11:24. The following persons were received to
constitute the church about to be organized, viz. : Dismissed
from Tent Church — John K. Duncan, Mrs. Anna W. Duncan,
Eliza Oliphant, Elizabeth Keerns, Mary Osborn, Sam'l Bunting,
Nancy Bunting, Matilda Phillips, John Williams, Mrs. Williams,
Jas. Huston, Margaret Huston, Jane Shuff, Catherine Biglow,
Sam'l Buxton, Ruth A. Buxton, Joseph, James and Rebecca
Butler. George's Creek Church: Mrs. Beatie. John Dunlap,
Catherine Dunlap, Rosanna Davis, Jesse E. Stentz and Samuel
N. Bedford. Uniontown Church : Samuel Duncan and Mar-
garet, his wife. The committee then proceeded to organize the
church in the constitutional order. Samuel Duncan and James
Huston were elected elders and were ordained. Mr. Stoneroad
presided, proposed the constitutional questions and made the or-
dination prayer, and Mr. Fairchild delivered an appropriate ex-
hortation to the people and closed with prayer. Rev. W. W.
McLean had been appointed Stated Supply by Presbytery at its
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I4I
previous meeting. John K. Duncan was also elected an elder.
Rev. W. W. McLean supplied the church, or as some think
was pastor, until 1851, when he was called to the Mt. Pleasant
Church.
The church had many supplies from 1851 to 1864, among
whom were Dr. Fairchild, J. Mateer, W. A. Fleming, H, W.
Biggs, J. Davis, J. McClintock, J. H. Flanagan and H. O. Ros-
borough.
On the 13th of June, 1864, Rev. H. O. Rosborough was in-
stalled pastor for one-third of his time by Rev. J. McClintock
and Rev. W. F. Hamilton, who had been appointed for that pur-
pose, on a salary of $166 per annum. This pastorate continued
for nearly twelve years.
Rev. C. B. Wakefield was installed pastor of this church, in
connection with Fairchance, June 22d, 1881. This relation lasted
only about three momths.
Some of the supplies since 1876 were Revs. J. B. Dickey,
M. C. Bailey and H. O. Rosborough — the latter by appointment
of Presbyteiy, has been for several years Moderator of the Ses-
sion.
Total number of members from the organization to July
1st, 1887, is 192 ; about thirty-six of these are now (1887) living
in the bounds of the congregation.
Two members became ministers of Gospel, viz. : Samuel
Campbell and Jacob Ruble. Henry H. Ryland is now a candi-
date for the ministry.
MOUNT WASHINGTON.
BY REV. A. S. MILHOLLAND, D. D,
As but few facts pertaining to this church have been placed
upon record and but meagre information can be obtained from
those now living within its bounds, we shall be able to prepare
142 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
but a very brief history. We shall attempt to present, as accu-
rately as possible, but a few of the most important facts, as we
can gather them from the limited sources at hand.
At a meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone, held at Laurel
Hill, on the first Tuesday of October, 1841, the Revs. Joel Stone-
road and W. W. McLean, and Mr. Wm. Redick, elder, were ap-
pointed a committee to visit Mount Washington and vicinity to
inquire into the expediency of organizing a Presbyterian church,
and, if they judged it expedient, to organize a church there be-
fore the next meeting of Presbytery, to be called the Church of
Mount Washington.
After considerable inquiry and deliberation, the committee
concluded that the interest of truth as well as the interest of
the Presbyterian church required such organization, and accord-
ingly appointed the 24th day of March (1842?) as the day
upon which the church should be formed. A majority of the com-
mittee being present on the day appointed. Rev. Joel Stoneroad
preached on the occasion, from 2 Cor. 12:10, latter clause: "For
when I am weak then am I strong," and after the preaching of
the sermon proceeded to the election of Elders. Messrs. Seth
Hyatte and Simon Snyder were elected to that office, after which,
Mr. Stoneroad made the necessary remarks on the nature and
duty of the eldership and the reciprocal obligation of both el-
ders and people, and there, with the elders present, as one of the
committee, proceeded by prayer and imposition of hands, sol-
emnly to ordain and set apart the elders elected to the office of
Ruling Elder in that congregation, the elders and people hav-
ing answered affirmatively the requisite constitutional questions.
The names of the persons dismissed on the occasion from the
church of Uniontown, with a view to form the new organization,
are as follows : Mr. Benjamin Elliot, Mrs. Eunice Elliott, Mr.
Daugherty Elliot, Mr. Solomon Elliot, Mrs. Susan Kretchman,
Mrs. Esther Conaway, Mrs. Long (daughter of Mrs. Kretchman,)
Mrs. Shaffer, Mrs. Reynolds, Mrs. Belinda Reynolds, Mrs. Mc-
Cartney, Mrs. Mathews, Mrs. Ripple, Mrs. Mary Elliot, Miss
Mary Elliot, Mr. John Robinson, Mrs. Rebecca Robinson, Mrs.
Gaither, Miss Elizabeth Gaither, Mr. William Gaither (un-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 43
der suspension), Mrs. Hill, Miss Christiana Hill, Miss Nan-
cy Hill, Miss Jane Hill, Mr. Robert Hill.
The following persons are from the Presbyterian church at
Tent, viz.: Mr. Simon Snyder, Mr. Morgan H. Jones, Mrs. Sa-
rah O. Stewart, Mr. Seth Hagan and Miss Hyatte.
Previous to the organization of this church at Mt. Wash-
ington, there was a church about seven miles distant, known as
Brown's Church. Whether this church was ever formally
organized we do not know, but the presumption is that it was
not. From this time on, for some years, the Brown and Mt.
Washington Churches seem to be one organization of one and
the same church. The next record after the one concerning the
organization of Mt. Washington Church, is as follows :
"The Session of the Presbyterian church of Mt. Washing-
ton met at Brown's Church, on the 2d day in May, 1842, for the
purpose of examining applicants for admission to the privileges
of the church. Present, Rev. J. McClintock, Moderator; Seth
Hyatte and Simon Snyder, Ruling Elders. Mrs. Daugherty El-
Hot was received at this meeting." The next meeting was held
at Mt. Washington, August 20th, 1842. The next record reads:
"The Session of the Presbyterian church of Mt. Washington con-
vened at Brown's Church on the 3d Sabbath of June, 1843."
The Rev. Mr. Martin was the Moderator of this meeting. An-
other record reads: "The Session of Mount Washington and
Brown's Church convened at Brown's on the 3d day of June,
1845. -^gain> the Session of Mt. Washington and Brown's
Church met at Brown's Church on the 4th day of July, 1846."
One of the elders of Mt. Washington Church informs me
that, at an early day the old log meeting house, which stood on
or near the site of the present Tent Church, was torn down and
removed to the mountains, where it was re-erected and is still
standing, though not occupied and is known as the "Old Brown
Church." The distance which these logs were hauled is about
twelve miles. The name of "Brown" seems to have been
dropped about the year 1863 ; it is thereafter known as Mt. Wash-
ington. This church has never been strong — never self-support-
ing— and so far as I can ascertain, never had a settled pastor.
144 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
The Revs. Joel Stoneroad, H. O. Rosborough, S. S. Bergen,
C. B. Wakefield and C. C. B. Duncan have been among its Stated
Supplies.
Mr. G. W. Hensel, Mr. James McCann and Mr. S. D. Elli-
ott compose the present Session.
The present church building, which is small, is built of logs,
weather-boarded and plastered, and was erected soon after the or-
ganization of the church.
The membership at this time is not more than thirty.
WEST NEWTON.
BY REV. J. C. MELOY.
Prior to 185 1 this church was a part of the Sewickley con-
gregation, whose house of worship was located four miles from
the town of West Newton, originally called Robbstown. For
many years people living in town rode or walked over the hills
to worship the God of their fathers in that grand old church,
whose history runs back over a period of more than 1 10 years.
It is difficult to tell who preached the first sermon in West New-
ton or who planted the seed which has grown and matured into
the vigorous plant of to-day. The earliest trace of evangelistic
work is a communication in "The Weekly Recorder" of 1822,
emanating from the pen of the Rev. A. O. Patterson, D. D., who
at that time was pastor of the Sewickley Presbyterian Church.
Speaking of eight different Sabbath Schools which he had or-
ganized and maintained within the bounds of his charge, he says:
"Robbstown Sabbath School, No. i, was organized in March
last, under the direction of two superintendents and seven teach-
ers and contains seventy-two scholars, one-half of whom recite
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 45
from memory and had recited on the 27th of October, 6,042
verses of Scripture, 234 pages of Catechism and 226 hymns.
This school has been well attended and continues to prosper."
Public worship was held as opportunity presented itself, the
services being conducted a few times in a saw mill, on the river
bank, which has long since disappeared, and more frequently in
the old octagon school -house, once the pride of the town and
still permitted to stand as a relic of by-gone days. It is remem-
bered that Rev. William Annan, pastor of the Sewickley Church,
often held such services in these buildings.
In the year 1835 a few of the liberal minded Presbyterians
living in or near the village, prominent among whom were Hon.
George Plumer and his sons, Alexander and John C. Plumer, de-
termined to erect a house of worship. But being too weak finan-
cially to perform the work themselves, a proposition was made
to them by the Evangelical Lutherans to join them in this en-
terprise, the Lutheran denomination to hold a fourth interest,
and each to have a specific part of the time for the holding of
public worship. By mutual consent this partnership was dis-
solved in the year 1850, the Presbyterians purchasing from the
Lutherans, for the sum of ^650, their entire interest in the build-
ing and grounds.
It was now thought by many that the time had come to or-
ganize a church distinct and separate from the mother congrega-
tion. The town having taken to itself a new name was growing
in size and importance. Presbyterians were gathering in and
about it ; the distance to Sewickley was too great for many to at-
tend, and there were difficulties constantly arising in the prosecu-
tion of co-operative work. Accordingly, a memorial, numerous-
1}' signed by Presbyterians living in West Newton, was sent to
the Presbytery of Redstone, asking for the organization of a
church.
The following is an extract from the minutes of Presbytery,
viz. : "Sessions of the Presbytery of Redstone, West New-
ton, October 2d, 1850. The action expressed in the follow-
ing minutes was had, viz. : A memorial from We.st New-
ton and vicinity asking for the organization of a church in
146 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
West Newton was presented and read. On motion, it was re-
solved, that the request of the memoriaHsts be granted and that
Messrs. R. Stevenson and J. R. Hughes be a committee to or-
ganize said church, on the 8th day of January, 185 1. At the
Sessions of the Presbytery in Connellsville, April 8th, 1851, the
following record was made, viz. : The committee appointed at
the last meeting to organize a church at West Newton, reported
that they had organized said church with four elders and seven-
ty-one members. This report was adopted and the conduct of
the committee approved."
The names of the "four elders" referred to in the above re-
port are William Brookens, Francis McConaughey, M. P. Smith
and Thomas Robertson. The first trustees of the church were
Geo. Plumer, David Markle and Nimrod Gregg, and the first
treasurer was M. P. Smith.
Rev. Watson Hughes had been the pastor of the mother
church before the separation, but having resigned his former
charge he now became pastor of the new organization and la-
bored successfully and happily in that position until the spring
of 1855, at which time he resigned his office and removed from
our bounds.
In the autumn of the same year the congregation called the
Rev. Daniel Williams, who served the church until the spring of
1857.
The next fall a unanimous call was made out for the pastoral
services of the Rev. A. O. Patterson, D. D., who many years be-
fore had served, with great acceptability, the Sewickley Church.
The call was accepted and a most happy pastoral relation con-
tinued until April, 1863. After the resignation of Dr. Patterson
the pulpit was vacant for more than a year.
In the autumn of 1864, Rev. O. H. Miller became pastor
and served the church until the fall of 1869.
In the spring of 1870, Rev. Henry Fulton was installed
pastor, discharging the duties of his office until June, 1874.
During the pastorate of Mr. Fulton the congregation built a sub-
.stantial frame parsonage, containing seven rooms, which is still
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 47
held for the use of the pastor. The cost of this property was
$2,500.
On the 1st day of November, 1874, the present pastor, Rev.
J. C. Meloy, began his labors. Soon after the installation of Mr.
Meloy, steps were taken for the erection of a new house of wor-
ship. A more desirable location was secured on Main street;
various subscriptions were taken and the old building sold. The
present Gothic brick house was erected, and on the 12th day of
May, 1879, was dedicated, free of debt. The entire cost of the
building and grounds was about $22,000. It has a seating ca-
pacity of about 450; has a delightful auditorium and basement,
and is justly considered an ornament to the town. The remem-
brance of our struggles, our hopes and fears, during the erection
of this church — a time of financial trouble in the country — lin-
gers in the memory of our people. The Building Committee
were Geo. Plumer, chairman, J. Q. Robinson, M. D., H. D.
Smith, John Markle and Andrew Robertson. The congregation
is largely indebted to this committee, especially to its chairman
for the beautiful building we now occupy.
A complete list of Ruling Elders who have served the con-
gregation are the following, viz. : William Brookens, Francis
McConaughey, M. P. Smith, Thomas Robertson, Robert Guffey,
J. C. Plumer, Paul Hough, H. D. Smith, John McKenery, R. W.
Hunter, William Plumer, Alexander Rankin, R. D. Humes and
David A. Hunter.
The following are our Board of Trustees, viz. : Geo. Plu-
mer, F. V. Jeffries, Robt. Taylor, A. N. Franklin and Benjamin
Sampson.
It would prolong our history too much to speak of the faith-
ful services performed by many of our members, not only in the
eldership, but also among those who have occupied humbler
places. We have from the beginning of our organization en-
joyed uninterrupted peace among ourselves, together with a good
degree of prosperity, both temporal and spiritual.
The Session reported to the last meeting of Presbytery the
following statistics for the year ending, April ist, 1887, viz. : El-
ders, six; Deacons, none; added on examination, four; certificate.
148 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
eighteen; total, 205 ; Sabbath School membership, 150; adults
baptized, two; infants baptized, five; contributions to Home Mis-
sions, $129; Foreign Missions, $i6g; Education, $22; Publica-
tion, $20; Church Erection, $iy; Relief Fund, $1^', Freedmen,
$i6g; Sustentation, ;^io; Aid for Colleges, ;^io; General Assem-
bly, $17. SSl Congregational, ;$2,03i ; Miscellaneous, $5.
Our Sabbath School, although small (150), is a very pleas-
ant one. We have a good Library and faithful officers and teach-
ers. We have also an interesting prayer meeting, which is held
every Wednesday evening in the basement. For what God has
done for us in His Providence and by His grace, we trust we are
truly thankful. As we approach our thirty-seventh mile-stone,
we desire to erect our Ebenezer, saying : "Hitherto hath the
Lord helped us."
PLEASANT UNITY.
BY REV. ROBERT F. SMITH.
It was in the year 1831 the good people of Pleasant Unity
built a neat brick church almost opposite the present house of
worship. The old house stood for about fifty years, when it was
taken down and much of the old material used in the new build-
ing. The church was a preaching point only and was supplied
principally by the pastors of the Mt. Pleasant church. All the
Presbyterians in and about Pleasant Unity were members of the
Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church. It was a matter of convenience
to have preaching occasionally in their midst.
For several years after the church was built Rev. Andrew O.
Patterson, the second pastor of Mt. Pleasant church, (the first was
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 49
Dr. Power), preached occasionally for the people of Pleasant Uni-
ty. Dr. Patterson served the Mt. Pleasant church fourteen years,
resigning in 1834. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Mont-
gomery whose pastorate covered ten years, from 1835 to 1845.
He, like his predecessor, preached occasionally in the brick church
at Pleasant Unity. A few years after the division into Old and
New School, Mr. Montgomery, with about two-thirds of his peo-
ple, united with the New School branch. The Old School side
called a pastor and both parties used the same houses of worship,
occupying them on alternate days.
The details of the history of this period belong properly to
the records of Mt. Pleasant church and will be given in its history.
Pleasant Unity Church was organized in 1854 and her history
properly begins from that date. Previous to that time it was, as
has been stated, a preaching point only, within the boundaries of
Mt. Pleasant church. Before the division we have seen that Rev.
A. O. Patterson and his successor. Rev. Mr. Montgomery, preach-
ed frequently on this side. The Old School party never organ-
ized a church in Pleasant Unity. After the division and up until
the reunion in 1869 the Old and New School pastors of Mt.
Pleasant church preached regularly in Pleasant Unity, using the
church on alternate days. It will only be necessary to name
these pastors in the order of their succession. On the Old School
side there were Revs. Brownson, McLean, Barron and Barnett.
The New School pastors of Mt. Pleasant church up to the time
of the organization of the Pleasant Unity church, were Revs,
Montgomery and Porter. Rev. Mr. Porter's successor was Rev.
James Cochran. He assisted in organizing a New School Pres-
byterian Church at Pleasant Unity and as the new church was
attached to Mt. Pleasant church under one pastor. Rev. James
Cochran thus became the first pastor of Pleasant Unity Presby-
terian Church.
The following is the first record of the '"Minutes of the Pres-
byterian Church of Pleasant Unity:"
PLEAS.A.NT Unity, March 25th, 1854.
The Rev. S. M. Sparks and Rev. James Cochran, a committee
appointed by the Presbytery of Pittsburgh to organize a church
150 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
in Pleasant Unity, met according to appointment and did organ-
ize a Presbyterian Church according to the form laid down in our
standards. After the organization, Mr. George Chambers and
Mr. James Jamison were elected and installed elders of the church.
Immediately after the organization Session met and was opened
w^ith prayer by Moderator. Members present. Rev. James Coch-
ran and George Chambers ; absent, Mr. James Jamison. Mr.
George Love and Mrs. Momeyer appeared before Session and,
after a satisfactory examination as to their Christian experience
and knowledge of the Scriptures, they were received as members
of the church. Closed with prayer.
Jaimes Cochran, Clerk.
Unfortunately a number of pages are lost out of the first Ses-
sional Record Book. The original roll of members at the time
of organization cannot be found, but the number of members is
supposed to have been about one hundred.
Rev. James Cochran continued as pastor until i860, w^hen he
was succeeded by Rev. S. M. Sparks. Mr. Sparks was suc-
ceeded in 1869 by Rev. Henry Cooper, who was Stated Supply
for a short time. Early in April (probably the i ith), 1870, Rev.
John McMillan entered upon his labors as pastor of Mt. Pleasant
and Pleasant Unity churches. He was the first pastor after the
reunion of the Old and New School branches. He remained but
one year. In April, 1871, he resigned Pleasant Unity and accept-
ed a call for his entire time at Mt. Pleasant, preaching, however,
each Sabbath evening in the village of Mt. Pleasant. Pleasant
Unity was thus cut off from the mother church and became inde-
pendent.
In June, 1871, Rev. Augustus Cone became pastor of Pleas-
ant Unity church, giving it his whole time. He was succeeded
by Rev. A. F. Boyd, who was installed June 26th, 1874. During
his pastorate a good, substantial and commodious parsonage was
built, directly across the street from the old brick church. Mr.
Boyd resigned in the Spring of 1877 and was succeeded by Rev.
Robert White, who acted as Stated Supply until the winter of
'8o-'8i. Rev. A. A. Hough was installed as pastor October i ith,
1 88 1. He resigned this charge in the fall of 1886, and was re-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I5I
leased by Presbytery on the 28th of September, 1886. Rev.
Robert F. Smith, the present pastor, succeeded Mr. Hough in the
spring of 1887. He was ordained by the Presbytery of Redstone,
May 26th, 1887, and installed as pastor of Pleasant Unity church
on the nth day of June, 1887.
The Session at the organization consisted of George Chambers
and James Jamison. From 1854 to 1870 the following persons
were added: James McGuire, Wm. Sloan, Ruling Elders in Unity
Presbyterian Church, were received on certificate, August 14th,
1854, and at the same time elected elders of Pleasant Unity
church. Henry Welty, an elder in Greensburg Presbyterian
Church, was elected and installed in Pleasant Unity church, June
15th, 1856; Thomas Latta ordained and installed in the year
[862; W. L. Chambers in the year 1867; since 1870, Joseph
Jamison, formerly an elder in Mt. Pleasant church, installed at
Pleasant Unity, March 5th, 1871 ; Andrew Giffen and S. J. Ham-
ill, M. D., ordained and installed September 9th, 1871 ; William
Giffen, formerly elder at Mt. Pleasant church, installed at
Pleasant Unity, September 21st, 1878; Henry Bair, ordained and
installed, September 2 1st, 1878.
George Chambers, one of the two original elders, was dis-
missed, January 7th, 1871, to unite with the Presbyterian Church
at Greensburg, Pa. Returning again to Pleasant Unity, he was
received by letter January 13th, 1878, but was never re-elected
as elder. James Jamison carried his letter to Greensburg and
after a few years returned to Pleasant Unity. He was not again
elected elder. Thomas Latta died, December 15th, 1865, aged
sixty-nine years. James McGuire died, December 27th, 1865,
aged seventy-two years. Wm. Sloan died a number of years ago ;
date of his death unknown. Henry Welty died at Pleasant
Unity in the year 1859. Henry Bair was dismissed, March 23d,
1879, to unite with the Presbyterian church at Holton, Kansas.
Doctor Hamill was dismissed at his own request, to unite with
some other Presbyterian church; now dead; date of death
not known. The Session as now constituted, consists of Rev.
Robert J. Smith, Moderator, W. L. Chambers, Joseph Jamison,
152 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Andrew Giffen and Wm. Giffen. (Mr. Giffen has since removed
to Ohio.
The old brick church having stood the storms of more than
fifty winters began to show signs of decay and it was considered
by many people as unsafe. It was proposed to build a new
church across the street and in 1883 the work was begun. The
new house of worship was dedicated in the fall of 1884. It is a
handsome building, beautifully located and Vk'ell planned. It is
brick, one-story, with lecture room at the rear. The audience
room of the main building is 50x38, and has a seating capacity
of 325. Seventy-five more can be accommodated in the aisles on
chairs. Windows, lecture-room also, of cathedral glass; floor
covered with a handsome carpet. The lecture room is 45x18.
The entire building cost, complete about ;^8,COO.
The total memibership of Pleasant Unity Church is 104.
Besides the public services on the Sabbath, there are Wednesday
evening prayer meeting, Sabbath School, Women's Foreign Mis-
sionaiy Society, Young People's Home Mission Circle and a
Band.
The Sabbath School has enrolled sixty-eight members. El-
der W. L. Chambers, is Superintendent, with five teachers.
The Women's Foreign Missionary Society has fourteen
members. The officers are, Mrs. Agnes Walters, president; Mrs.
Dr. J. H. Kelly, vice-president; Mrs. W. L. Chambers, recording
secretary; Mrs. Preston Chambers, treasurer; Mrs. R. F. Smith,
corresponding secretary.
The Young People's Home Mission Circle has thirty mem-
bers." Mrs. R. F. Smith, president; Mr. F. G. Kelley, vice-presi-
dent; Miss Mattie Giffen, recording secretary; Miss Belle Gal-
lagher, corresponding secretary; Mr. Burk Walter, treasurer.
Fifteen children are enrolled in the Band ; name, "Trusting
Band." It is in charge of Mrs. Wm. Giffen.
Here ends the record of Pleasant Unity Church to the pres-
ent time. The Gospel has been preached here in this communi-
ty for more than a half a century. The history is a ver)^ plain
one, but much good has been done. In all these years "a great
number believed and turned unto the Lord."
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 53
MT. VERNON.
BY REV. C. P. CHEESEMAN.
Mt. Vernon church is situate about one mile from the Yough-
iogheny river, four miles from McKeesport, five miles from
Round Hill and eight miles from Long Run Church. In this
neighborhood lived a goodly number of Presbyterian families,
who found it difficult to attend church at any of the established
places of public worship, and under the leadership of Col. Wm.
Douglass, the Presbyterian element of this section united in a pe-
tition to Presbyteiy to organize a new church to be known as the
Mt. Vernon Presbyterian Church. This petition was presented
to Presbytery, at a meeting held at McKeesport, September 1 8th
and 19th, 1866.
Presbytery entertained the proposition and appointed a com-
mittee to look over the field, and if wise, in their judgment, to
organize a church. Accordingly, the committee, consisting of
Rev. O. H. Miller, Rev. Robt. F. Wilson and Elder John Mc-
Kenery met on the 28th day of January, 1867, and organized this
church with a membership of forty.
The church began its work under very favorable circum-
stances. The outlook from that standpoint was bright. The
people interested in the success of this church worked in har-
mony. Indeed, this has been the praiseworthy characteristic of
this church from the beginning of its history to the present time.
The necessity of erecting a church building was urged by the
friends of this new enterprise and was pushed rapidly to comple-
tion, and in the year 1868, the Mt. Vernon Church was dedi-
cated, free of debt, to the worship of the one only living and
true God.
The membership at present is about eighty. To any one
unacquainted with the facts, it may seem a little strange, that a
church with as good prospects in the beginning, has not made
more progress in twenty years. But when we remember the
changes incident to twenty years and particularly of this com-
munity, we see in this church much good accomplished. About
this time, or shortly after the establishment of the Mt. Vernon
154 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Church, a number of Presbyterian families moved into the bounds
of other congregations, and as is often the case, their places were
not taken in the church by those coming into the neighborhood,
and in the early history, the founder of the church, Mr. Doug-
lass, died. So, from causes over which man has not control, the
little church was weakened, yet it kept on in the work of the
Lord, maintaining public worship quite regularly. We think it
worthy of mention, that for almost eighteen years, this church
was unable to employ a pastor and could not be united with any
other church, trusting entirely to supplies, and yet kept up a fair
report to Presbytery and grew a little in real strength.
Rev. A. Bronson, D. D., supplied this church for several
years. We have not a list of those who at different times preach-
ed to this people. Supplies were obtained, for the greater part,
from the Seminary in Allegheny,
Rev. J. D. Shanks was supply several months; also, Rev.
Mr. Hair, then pastor of the McKeesport Presbyterian Church.
In the spring of i88i, the present pastor, C. P. Cheeseman,
began his work among the people of Mt. Vernon, and as Stated
Supply, preached to them till July, 1885, when he was in-
stalled over this church as pastor, and thus, under one pastorate,
the Mt. Vernon and Long Run Churches were united.
The following is a list of the elders of the church who have
served from time to time : Messrs. Wm. Douglass, Philip Ho-
dill, Alex. Rankin, Jas. Love, Sam'l C. Rankin, Matthew Young,
Jno. M. Shaner, Samuel Culbert, Harvey Thompson and David
Rankin.
FAIRCHANCE.
BY REV. M. C. BAILEY, PH. D.
Fairchance was a preaching point for Presbyterian ministers
for thirty years before a church was organized. History does
not inform us just when Mr. Fairchild began to preach here,
making it an out-post of the Tent congregation. It is well
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I 55
known that he preached both in pubhc and private houses before
a church building was erected.
In 1845 ^ meeting-house was built, chiefly through the lib-
erality of Mr. F. H. Oliphant, an elder of the Tent Church. In
the absence of Mr. Oliphant, Col. Jas. Robinson superintended
the entire work. Dr. Fairchild continued to preach here till the
event of his death in June, 1864. During all these years and un-
til the organization of the church, Fairchance was treated as an
outpost of the Tent, sharing in the experiences of that church.
Its pastors and supplies were the pastors and supplies of this
point.
After the death of Dr. Fairchild, the Rev. J. C. Hench be-
came the pastor of the Tent, being installed, November 6th,
1866. Another fruit of Mr. Oliphant's liberality, was the gift of
a house and lot to Mr. Hench, for a parsonage. This property
stands midway between the cross-roads, on the way commonly
traveled between the two churches. The pastoral relation with
Mr. Hench was dissolved in April, 1869. About this time the
Tent was supplied one-half of the time by Rev. Wycoff.
On May 3d, 1 871, an organization was granted to Fairchance
congregation. It was organized under the name of Fairchance
Presbyterian Church. The committee appointed by Redstone
Presbytery for this purpose were the Revs. W, W. Ralston and
Joel Stoneroad, and Elder J. K. Ewing. The first two members
of the committee were present. The church was organized with
eighteen members, the most of whom came from the Tent. The
following is a list of their names :
F. H. Oliphant, H. Humphreys, J. P. Carothers, Mary Dun-
can, Mrs. F. H. Oliphant, Mrs. H. Humphreys, Wm. Mason,
Mrs. Mary Mason, Mrs. Catharine Core, Mrs. A. L. Osborne,
Miss Dessa Woods, Miss Nannie Woods, Mrs. John Stirling,
Wm. Pastoris, Mrs. Mary Pastoris, Sallie Pastoris, Mrs. Elizabeth
Goldsboro and Julia Pastoris.
F. H. Oliphant, H. Humphreys and Wm. Pastoris were
elected and installed elders, and Mr. Oliphant, Esquire Hum-
phreys and Mr. J. P. Carothers were elected trustees.
For some time the church was served by supplies, among
156 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
whom were Revs. Perkins, Martin and others. Dr. Martin was
Stated Supply in 1873.
In December, 1874, the Rev. D. B. Rogers was Stated Sup-
ply of Tent and Fairchance for a few months. In April, 1875,
he became the pastor of these churches; in 1877, Rev. Dickey;
in 1878, Rev. S. S. Bergen; in 1881, Rev. C. B. Wakefield. The
pastorates of all these brethren were brief
In May, 1882, the Rev. M. C. Bailey, a member of the Pres-
bytery of Carlisle, received a call to this church, in connection
with the churches of Tent and McClellandtown. The installa-
tion services were held in October, of the same year, but Mr.
Bailey began his work in the previous June,
In the beginning of the year 1881, a remarkable work was
begun by private members of the church, which resulted in the
addition of about seventy persons to the church. Some of this
number are valuable and faithful members of the church, but it is
a sad fact that three-fourths of them have either become wholly
indifferent or dishonor the profession they once made.
September 20th, 1882, J. P. Carothers, Thomas Hart, Henry
McEntire and John Stirling were elected elders.
In 1 88 1, a few ladies, with characteristic energy, formed a
Parsonage Association and set about to build. A lot was do-
nated by the Fairchance furnace company and a neat and com-
fortable house erected, which, in a very short time, was entirely
free from debt, owing to the energy and perseverance of these de-
voted women. The cost of the parsonage was ;^ 1,300.
This field must, from the nature of the case, require great pa-
tience. A handful of faithful and enterprising women must be
relied on to do the most important work of the church.
The church has from time to time suffered from the loss of
the men who occasionally rise up to be the leaders in its work. It
is a singular fact, that in the midst of these discouragements and
in spite of them, the Lord carries on his work, A thriving Sab-
bath School has always existed. The seed has been sown. It is
in most cases hidden from our view. But He, who declares that
no word shall return unto Him void, watches it and will in the
end use it for His glory.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 57
FAYETTE CITY.
Fayette City is a village of several hundred inhabitants, sit-
uated on the east side of the Monongahela river. This church,
which takes its name from the place, is one of our newer church-
es, having been organized in 1872. The idea of forming a church
in that place, originated with certain members of the Rehoboth
Presbyterian Church, who were living in that locality. They
were prompted to take this step, in view of certain overtures
made to them by the Little Redstone people, to join them in one
pastoral charge. There were difficulties in the way ; the mem-
bers of the church there belonged to Rehoboth, and the building
was held by the trustees of that congregation. These hindrances,
however, were quickly and generously removed by the Session
of the Rehoboth Church, who, without waiting to be asked, held
a meeting and resolved to throw no obstructions in the way of
the proposed organization, beyond the giving of an official no-
tice to the leaders in the movement, that the church property in
Fayette City, belonged to Rehoboth.
The church was formally organized about the ist of Novem-
ber, 1872, and Wm. Bank, M. Sloterbeck and C, V. Powers, were
installed as elders. Twenty-four of the original members were
received by letter from the Rehoboth Church.
Rev. R. R. Gailey, who was at that time pastor of Little
Redstone, was immediately installed over the new organization,
his time to be divided between the two congregations. After
two years, Mr. Gailey resigned his charge and removed to an-
other field of labor.
He was followed by Rev. C. C. B. Duncan, who remained in
the field only one year.
The next pastor was Rev. J. T. Crumrine, who served the
church for two years, at the end of which, he removed from the
Presbytery and took charge of another congregation.
Inasmuch as the Little Redstone Church, to which we natur-
ally look to join us in supporting a pastor, has not felt herself
prepared, since the removal of Mr. Crumrine, to call a pastor.
158 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
this church has been compelled to depend on such supplies as
could be readily procured.
Revs. P. Baker, Wm. G. Nevin and Dr. S. F. Farmer have
supplied us, so that we have had preaching, on an average, every
two weeks. The church has not grown much since its organiza-
tion, as we only number at present about thirty members, but if
the town should grow, as it is believed it will, we have, at least,
the nucleus of a church, and are prepared to accept any advan-
tages which may be offered us.
SCOTTDALE.
Scottdale is a beautiful and very flourishing town on the
southern border of Westmoreland county. It is one of the
newer towns in this part of the State, having grown up largely,
as a result of the wonderful coke and iron industries by which it
is surrounded. Already it is one of the leading places in the
county, and it certainly is not a wild prediction, that the time is
not far distant, when it will be the leading place. Its importance
as a preaching point was very soon observed by the lamented
Dr. John McMillan, of the Mt. Pleasant Church, who supplied the
people there with preaching as he had opportunity, public wor-
ship being held in the school-house, or in the Reformed Church,
as it appeared to be most convenient. It was not long until the
feeling began to prevail that we ought to have an organization
here. A petition was prepared, numerously signed and forward-
ed to the Presbytery of Redstone, asking that the matter be
taken into consideration and, if, in the judgment of the brethren,
it ought to be done, to send a committee and effect an organiza-
tion, at as early a day as possible. The Presbytery granted this
petition at its April meeting and appointed Revs. John McMil-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 59
Ian, D. D., and T. S. Parke, with Ruling Elder Wm. Giffin, a
committee, to carry out its wishes in this regard. On the 13th
of May, 1874, the committee performed their work and Scott-
dale became one of the churches of Redstone Presbytery.
At the time of the organization, two gentlemen were elected
to serve as Ruling Eiders, viz. : Dr. A. J. Rogers and Mr. O. B.
Robertson ; the former declining to serve, Mr. Robertson was or-
dained and installed.
The original members who took part in the organization
were, Oliver B. Robertson, Mary A. Robertson, Pauline Parker,
John Klingensmith, Mary Klingensmith, Margaret Klingensmith,
Frances Klingensmith, J. B. Klingensmith, Anna E. Klingen-
smith, Henry D. Bole, Catharine Bole, Sarah E. Ault, Dr. A. J.
Rogers and Margaret Rogers.
The newly formed church now depended upon occasional
supplies for the pulpit until November, 1875, when Dr. McMil-
lan undertook to supply them statedly. He occupied the pulpit
until November of the following year, giving to the church one-
fourth of his time.
On the 1st of November, 1876, this church, for the first time,
enjoyed the services of a regularly installed pastor. Rev. J. H.
Stevenson, an able minister, in the prime of life and usefulness,
was installed over the united churches of Tyrone and Scottdale,
each church to enjoy one-half of his time. When this arrange-
ment began, Scottdale was the weaker church, not being able to
raise one-half the salary. It was not long, however, until it was
the heavier supporter, and became responsible for the larger part
of his salary. At the spring meeting of Presbytery, in the year
1883, Mr. Stevenson resigned and went to another field of labor.
His services had been greatly blessed to the church, which now
felt itself to be fully self-sustaining.
On the 3d of the following January, Rev. E. S. Robinson,
pastor of the Congruity Church, was called. He served the
church very acceptably for a period of two years, when he re-
signed to take charge of a larger and more influential church.
After a vacancy of one year. Rev. Z. B. Taylor was called
l6o PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
and installed, assuming his pastoral duties in April, 1887, and
continuing on up to the present writing.
At the time of the organization of the church the Rotary-
System was adopted in the election of the eldership. The fol-
lowing is a list of the elders who hav^e served, viz. : O. B. Rob-
ertson, Dr. A. J. Rogers, John G. White, Thomas W. McCune,
John S. Loucks, Thomas W. Ault. Dr. J. C. Farrar, E. L. Robin-
son, John Robertson, Jonathan Merritt, Frank Ritchie and A. B.
Hosack.
Soon after the organization of the church, the congregation
began to feel their need of a house of worship, which they could
call their own. They had been occupying in turn, the school-
house, the Reformed Church and the Baptist Church, arrange-
ments which were not satisfactory to them.
In the great Centennial year, 1876, the present brick struc-
ture was erected, at a cost of ^4,500, and dedicated on the 22d of
April, 1887. It is a neat, comfortable house, but now scarcely
adequate to meet the wants of a growing congregation.
In the fourteen years of our church history, she has grown
from fourteen, to a membership of 150.
Our statistical report for the year ending, April, 1888, is as
follows, viz.: Elders, five; Deacons, two ; added on Examina-
tion, one; added on Certificate, ten; Members, 150; Infants Bap-
tized, six; Adults Baptized, one; Sabbath School Membership,
100; contributions to Home Missions, $17; Foreign Missions,
$ig; Education, $8; Sabbath School work, ^35; Church Erec-
tion, ^6; Relief, $45 ; Freedmen, 55; Sustentation, $5; Aid for
Colleges, $11; General Assembly, $iy; Congregational, $1,475.
BELLE VERNON.*
BV REV. P. BAKER.
The First Presbyterian Church of Belle Vernon, Pa., was
organized, December nth, 1873, by a committee appointed by
*Copied largely from a history of Belle Vernon Presbyterian Church, by Dr. John S. Van-
Voorhis, Belle Vernou, Pa.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. l6l
Redstone Presbytery, consisting of Rev. G. M. Hair, Rev. R.
Gailey and Elder Alex. Rankin. Dr. I C. Hazlett, R. J. Linton
and S. F. Jones were elected elders ; the two former were ordain-
ed and installed, Mr. Jones being at that time installed only, hav-
ing been a member of the Session of Rehoboth previously.
The following persons were received by certificate from Re-
hoboth Church, viz.: Mr. D. B.Johnston, Mrs. E. S. Van Voor-
his, James French, Dr. J. S. Van Voorhis, Sarah Johnston, L. M.
Speer, Fannie S. Speer, S. F. Jones, S. E. Jones, R. J. Linton, C.
S. Linton, Nancy Smock, Ellen McFall, Margaret Garrison, Har-
riet Patterson, Lizzie V. Cunningham, I. C. Hazlett, Samuel
Clark, Anna Clark, Maria E. Hughes, Jennie French, W. T.
Speer, Mary P. Speer, W. P. Mackey, Samuel McKean, Agnes
McAlpin, Mary Smock, Elizabeth Lucas, Nancy Sheets, Maggie
McFall, Jane Hopkins, Alvira M. Fromier, Mary S. Cook, Susan
C. Wise, James McAlpin, Jennie Jones, Sarah Barkman, Philip
Smock, Olive Barkman, Laviena Smock, W. McFall, Robert Mc-
Fall and Charlotte Hammitt. From other churches : W. F. Mor-
gan and wife, and Mary C. Aler — in all fifty-one.
It will be seen from the above that the original membership
very largely was received from Rehoboth congregation, of which
church this one had previously been a part.
Belle Vernon had been a preaching station for some years
before this date and a church building had been erected in 1869.
The lot was presented by L. M. Speer. The cost of the build-
ing was $2,000, apart from the spire, which Mr. Speer had con-
structed at his own expense, making the entire building worth
$2,500. Dr. J. S. Van Voorhis was chairman of the building
committee. The mason work was done by Thomas Haggerty.
R. C. Schmertz & Co. presented the glass for windows. The
funds for furnishing the church, amounting to $297.70, were
raised by Mary Speer, Lizzie Van Voorhis, Mrs. Margaret Kyle
and Mattie Miller. The bell was purchased out of the building
fund. The clock was presented by Mrs. Wm. Scott. The
church was dedicated, free of debt, December 19th, 1869, ser-
vices being conducted by Rev. L. Y. Graham, pastor, and Rev.
G. M. Hair.
1 62 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Rev. G. M. Hair, who was pastor of Rehoboth Church when
this church was organized, continued to preach for the new con-
gregation as he had done before its separation from the old con-
gregation, until June, 1874, when he resigned his charge. Belle
Vernon Church determined then to call a pastor of its own.
Rev. A. B. Lowes received a unanimous call soon after this
date. He was installed, October 28th, 1874, by a committee of
Presbytery, consisting of Revs. J. P. Fulton, J. M. Barnett and
Marcus Wishart. He continued to be pastor of this church un-
til September, 1882, when he was released at his own request.
Under the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Lowes, the church enjoyed a
good degree of prosperity, sixty-four new members being added
to the original number. Especially did he succeed in effecting a
thorough organization for church work, which continues to this
day, and also in developing a spirit of benevolence, for which
this church became noted. There were discouragements, how-
ever, which arose from a financial crash in the village, resulting
in the removal of a number of the best supporters of the con-
gregation. Besides being a faithful pastor, Mr. Lov>'es was a
most earnest advocate of temperance and took a most active and
courageous part in efforts to abate this evil.
The congregation, after the release of Mr. Lowes, were sup-
plied until January loth, of the following year, 1883, when Rev.
P. Baker was unanimously called to the charge and was installed,
May 3d, 1883, and still continues to be pastor up to this date,
during which time sixty-three additions have been made to the
church, principally on examination. Rev. P. Baker was born at
Independence, Pa., October 3d, 1847; ^^^s received into the
church under the ministry of Rev. John Stockton, at Cross Creek,
Pa.; graduated at Princeton College, 1872, and at the Western
Theological Seminary, Allegheny, 1875. He was called while
in his senior year at the Seminary to be pastor of the charge of
Boiling Spring, Crooked Creek and Appleby Manor Churches
in Kittanning Presbytery; was released from Boiling Spring,
June, 1878, that he might accept a call from the other two
churches for full time, with which churches he remained until
called to Belle Vernon.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 63
The only changes in the Session up to this date (1887) are
the following, viz.: In December, 1881, Wm. F. Morgan was
added to it and in 1886, Dr. I. C. Hazlett was released, to unite
with the church at Uniontown, whither he had removed.
The church building has been preserved in good repair by
a vigilant Board of Trustees, consisting at the present of W. P.
Mackey, J. E. Null, S. M. Graham. L. R. Boyle and Sam'l Mc-
Kean.
In June, of this year, the spire was badly damaged by light-
ning. It was removed and a suitable cupola erected in its stead.
These are the principal items of our church hi.story. Here
may the Gospel be preached as long as the sun and moon endure!
MT. PLEASANT REUNION.
BY REV. S. E. ELLIOTT.
The Reunion Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., is
the offspring of the Mt. Pleasant (commonly called Middle) Pres-
byterian Church. It was organized by the Presbytery of Red-
stone, then in session in the town of Mt. Pleasant, April 25th,
1873, at the request of one hundred and seven persons, all mem-
bers of the church of Mt. Pleasant.
At the time of the organization a new church edifice, valued
at ;^2i,ooo, already existed. While this church was built by the
Mt. Plea.sant congregation, nearly all the subscriptions came from
those who joined the new organization. Both congregations re-
mained in one charge, under the pastorate of Dr. John McMillan,
until October 1st, 1873. After this date. Dr. McMillan gave the
whole of his time to the Reunion Church at a salary of $1,500 —
the amount which he had received from both congregations.
The pastoral relationship of Dr. McMillan continued until Janu-
ary 14th, 1879.
164 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
At the time of the organization, Messrs. William Borland
Neel, William Giffen and John Dickie McCaleb were installed as
elders, and Alexander Hamilton Strickler and Absalom Schali
as deacons. Having served in the same offices in the Middle
Church, they were not ordained.
The following is a list of the elders and deacons from the
time of the organization to the present:
ELDERS.
William Borland Neel, April 25th, 1873; William Giffen,
April 25th, 1873, to April ist, 1885 ; John Dickie McCaleb, April
25th, 1873; Jas. Shields,' April 9th, 1875, to July 31st, 1876;
Alex. H. Strickler, April 9th, 1875, to January 23d, 1887; John
Calvin Hunter, M. D., October 1st, 1875, to June 8th, 1876; John
Cunningham, October 1st, 1875, to April 14th, 1877; Albert
Shupe, December 23d, 1877, to April 3d, 1880; David Wilson
Schryock, December 8th, 1878, to July 3d, 1880; John Andrew
Stevenson, December 8th, 1878; Florence Labanah Marsh, M. D.,
January 23d, 1887; Jacob Smith Lobengier, January 23d, 1887;
Jesse Hunter, January 23d, 1887.
DEACONS.
Alex. H. Strickler, April 25th, 1873, to April 9th, 1875;
Absalom Schali, April 25th, 1873, to February, 1874.
The rotary system of eldership was adopted September 25th,
1885, and abandoned January, 1887. The office of deacon was
abandoned after a short period. An effort was afterwards made
to return to it, but the effort was not successful.
The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society was organized
April 1st, 1874. Up to that time the ladies of both congregations
worked in one organization. This society has contributed since
its organization, ^1,142.78, or about $gs a year. Of this amount
$206.85 has been contributed by the children's band, now called
the Layah Band. This band works under the direction of the
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society.
The congregation received a charter, February iith, 1874.
The church property was threatened by fire, May 29th, 1876.
It was saved by a sudden change in the direction of the wind.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 65
The deliverance was regarded by the congregation as providen-
tial. The congregational records, however, being in the house
of Mr. John D. McCaleb, were destroyed.
In January, 1879, ^^^ trustees reported that a debt of ^2,200
which had existed for a considerable time, had been provided for.
The pastoral relationship of Dr. McMillan was dissolved,
Januar}' 14th, 1879. He was called again by this congregation
in October following, but did not accept. Dr. McMillan was
succeeded by Rev. S. L. Finney, who was called, Februaiy 23d,
1880, at a salary of ,$1,200, and remained until October 3d, 1882.
During his pastorate the present parsonage, valued at ^5,000,
was built. The congregation was without a regular pastor from
October 3d, 1882, until July 2d, 1883. Rev. John M. Jenkins
was called, July 2d, 1883, at a salary of $1,000 and free use of
the parsonage. He remained until April, 1885.
The McMillan Home Missionary Society was organized in
April, 1884. This society took its name from a former pastor of
the church. This society has only given about thirty dollars a
year thus far to the cause of Home Missions. Their efforts have
been directed chiefly towards liquidating a church debt. In or-
dinary circumstances this course would not be justifiable, but the
present case seems to be an exception.
Mr. Jenkins was succeeded by Rev. Samuel E. Elliott, the
present pastor. Rev. S. E. Elliott was called in January, 1886;
salary $900 and free parsonage. The congregation had been
without a pastor for about eight months.
In January, 1887, the trustees reported that the debt of
$6,000 had been provided for. This debt had been contracted in
building the parsonage.
A Sunday-school has been kept up in this church ever since
its organization. The average attendance now is about seventy-
five. The average attendance from the beginning" of the organi-
zation has varied from seventy-five to one hundred. Our teach-
ers and officers are well equipped and do faithful work.
I add a copy of the annual statistical reports. In this may
be seen the work and the progress of the congregation from the
beginning.
1 66
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
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Se<- Appendix.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 6/
DUNBAR.
BY ELDER THOMAS W. WATT.
Wednesday, April 29th, 1874.
The Presbyterian Church of Dunbar was organized on the
presentation to Presbj'tery of the following petition by members
of the Presbyterian church of Connellsville, Pa., residing in and
about Dunbar.
To the Rev^erend Moderator and Members of the Presbytery of
Redstone :
Dear Brethren — At a meeting of the Session of the Pres-
byterian church of Connellsville, held, April 6th, 1874, the fol-
lowing paper was unanimously adopted :
Inasmuch as the members of the Connellsville Church, re-
siding in and about Dunbar, are cut off from attending church at
Connellsville, and the growth of the population of Dunbar de-
mands an increase of the ordinances.
Resolved — That we recommend to the members of this
church in and about Dunbar, to apply to Presbytery at its next
meeting to organize them into a separate church, with the officers
residing in their midst, to be known as the Presbyterian Church
of Dunbar.
Believing that the time has come for such an organization
and that we are following the leadings of Divine Providence, we,
whose names follow, ask to beset off as the church above named,
and that Joseph Paul, John Taylor, James L. Paul and Thomas
W. Watt be the elders of the new organization, according to the
above resolution.
John Taylor. Thos. W. Watt.
Mary E. McDowell. Sarah Watt.
Ray Taylor. Jennie W^att.
John M. Taylor. Lavinia W^att.
Margaret S. Byers. John Herron.
James Henderson. May Herron.
Geo. W. Porter. Ella Herron.
i68
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Rebecca Speers.
M. Ella Speers.
Maria L. Byers.
M. Elizabeth Byers.
Jas. L. Paull.
Joseph Paull.
Jos. R. Paull.
Sarah A. Williams.
David Williams, Jr.
Rosy Bird.
Jas. W. Matthews.
Eleanor Reiner.
Sarah Reiner.
Mrs. John Taylor.
Jennie Taylor.
Isaac Taylor.
John H. Byers.
Sarah Humbert.
James Thompson.
Martha S. Porter.
Sarah J. Speers.
David A. Byers.
Sue B. Byers.
Jas. T. Shepler.
Lizzie A. Paull.
Mrs. Lizzie L. Paull.
Mrs. David Williams.
M. J. Williams.
Mary Bird.
Jane Miller.
Jacob Reiner.
May Reiner.
Samuel Work.
Jane W. Work.
Martha Watkin.
Robert Rankin.
Alex. Porter.
Sarah M. Porter.
M. A. Porter
May J. Porter.
Maggie M. Porter.
David Harper.
Sarah A. Harper.
May A. Harper.
J. R. McDowell.
Sarah A. McDowell.
May C. Piles.
Mary A. Walker.
May M. Stauffer.
William Bov/den.
Margaret Bowden.
Mary Gilpin.
Jennie Gilpin.
Eliza Porter.
Sarah Wills.
Eliza J. Duncan.
May E. McDowell.
Thos. Reiner.
John W. Fairchild.
William Boal.
Alex. Wishart.
Mrs. A. Wishart.
Alex. McConnell.
Jane McConnell.
Isabella Scott.
Margaret Russell.
M. Emily McDowell.
J. V. Stauffer.
Sadie Harmon.
Jas. A. Fairchild.
Amzi D. Harmon.
After hearing the commissioner, James L. Paull, and some
remarks by the Presbytery, the request was granted, the name
of Dunbar Church was enrolled, and Joseph Paull, elder from
Dunbar, was admitted to a seat in Presbytery.
At the time of the completion of the Fayette county rail-
road, there were only three Presbyterian families in Dunbar, viz. :
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 69
Joseph Paull, James R. McDowell and Thomas W. Watt. They
were all members of the church in Connellsville. After a time
they applied to the Railroad Company for the privilege of run-
ning a hand car on Sabbath. This was granted and proved to be
a very convenient way of getting to chnrch. This was kept up
until March, 1870.
During the winter of 1869— '70, God's Spirit was so abun-
dantly poured out, at a meeting held in a school-house in Dun-
bar, that more than forty were added to the church. This addi-
tion made it necessary to have a church train, which was started,
March, 1870, the people agreeing to pay the company $7.50 per
day. This agreement was continued until the summer of 1873,
when full fare was demanded. The people refused to pay this
amount and accordingly in September, 1873, the train was dis-
continued.
About this time steps were taken to erect a new church
at Dunbar. Funds were secured and a frame building 45x60
feet and costing $5,500, was erected and dedicated to the Lord,
on the 9th of November, 1 874.
From September, 1873, until the following June, the Rev.
John M. Barnett, at that time pastor of the Connellsville Church,
preached for us every Sabbath afternoon at three o'clock. After
that time the congregation depended upon supplies.
The Rev. G. M. Potter, who had preached for us a number
of times to our entire satisfaction, was called, but after giving the
cgngregation to understand that he would accept, for reasons
best known to himself, declined to come.
Soon after this, the congregation made out a call for Rev. R.
T. Price, which he accepted, moved in among us and began his
labors on the first Sabbath of December, 1874. Mr. Price un-
dertook the pastoral oversight of the congregation under the
most favorable circumstances, and the organization and church
building were new. The membership, eighty-four in number,
were wide awake to the interest of the church. This proved to
170 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
be a happy relation, pastor and people working together in per-
fect harmony. Before the spring meeting of Presbytery, twenty-
four new members were added to our church, increasing our roll
of members to 109. The Sabbath School also seemed to take
on new life at this time. Before the organization of the church
it was conducted as a union school, but from this time on it was
strictly Presbyterian. At the spring meeting of Presbytery it re-
ported 150 members.
The church enjoyed a steady and vigorous growth all
through the following year. Forty were added to our member-
ship, thirty-one on examination and nine by letter, increasing our
roll to 139. During this time, however, we met with our first
discouragement. Ten persons had disappeared from among us,
either by death or removal, and our Sabbath School had fallen
off from 150 to 100 members. The next year, 1876—77, the
church held her own, with the slight increase of six members,
contributing ;^ioo to the Board of Foreign Missions and erecting
a parsonage costing ;^2,400. There was nothing worthy of note
the following year.
In our narrative, sent to the Presbytery, the pastor says :
"The attendance is good, and the attention paid to the Gospel, as
it has been preached, very good." At this time there seemed to
be a general awakening of the people. Many prayers were
offered for the outpouring of the Spirit and a closer walk with
God. The year i88o-'8i, was marked by few conv^ersions, but
there was a deep interest taken in the cause of temperance, and
it is believed much good was done in this direction. We lost a
number of members this year, some by removal and many by
death ; indeed, our losses by death were greater than at any other
time in our history. During the two remaining years of Mr.
Price's pastorate, the church enjoyed a slow but steady growth.
Progress was made in the cause of temperance, and largely
through the efforts of the church, saloons were banished from
our village. In June, 1883, Mr. Price resigned and moved to
another field of labor. This closed the first pastorate of the
Dunbar Church. Mr. Price was with us eight years and six
months. In this time we received 155 new members ; lost by
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I7I
death and removal, eighty-five ; leaving us a membership of 147.
Mr. Price left with the general good will of the entire congrega-
tion and community.
The church was now without a pastor for a period of six
months, but we were at no time without public worship. When
we failed to secure a supply, some member of the Session or con-
gregation led in a brief service.
In December, 1883, a unanimous call was extended to Rev.
D. B. Rogers. He accepted and began his labors at once. The
following winter we gained a few members by profession and lost
a number by removals, so that we did but little more than hold
our own. The second year of Mr. Rogers' pastorate the church
was blessed by a gracious outpouring of the Spirit. Twenty-two
were added on examination and six by letter. While Mr. Rogers
was with us the growth of the church was slow but steady.
There was a marked improvement in the Sabbath School, which
numbered 240, with little variation during the entire period. In
July, 1886, Mr, Rogers was, at his own request, released by the
Presbytery, to enter another field of labor. We had received
during his pastorate fifty-two new members, but on account of
deaths and removals we were able to report only a membership of
151. The relation was dissolved at a called meeting of Presby-
tery and the church left again without a pastor.
A vacancy of six months brought to us many supplies and
numerous candidates.
The Rev. R. R. Marquis supplied the pulpit for three
months with a view to the pastorate, but on account of ill health
he was compelled to give up preaching, to the great regret of the
entire church. People outside the church had formed quite an at-
tachment for him and his family and expressed themselves as
very sorrowful that he could not remain with us.
The Session next invited the Rev. W. G. Stewart, of Roches-
ter, Pa., to supply us for a Sabbath or two. The people were
greatly pleased by him. A most hearty and entirely unanimous
call was made out and by him accepted. He entered his new
field of labor, September ist, 1887, and to-day, we are a happy
and contented people.
172 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
DAWSON.
BY REV. JOSEPH L. HUNTER.
This church was first organized on the 3d of July, 1874.
The membership at that time was twenty-four, all of whom had
come by letter from the Church of Tyrone.
The original elders were, Solomon Baker, Wm. Lint and
Jonathan Merritt.
Rev. Thos. S. Parke was the first pastor, but after serving
the church for less than one year, he left on the 28th of May,
1875.
xA.bout the same time Elder Baker removed to Tyrone and
soon after, T. R. DeYarman was elected to fill his place.
On the 22d of June, 1877, a call was made out for the Rev.
J. H. Stevenson, then pastor of Tyrone, the congregation asking
only a part of his time. Mr. Stevenson accepted and after serv-
ing the church for a time, the organization was dissolved and the
members dismissed to Tyrone. This action of Presbytery, as it
seems to us now, was a mistake. Some judicious efforts in its
behalf, might have made the Church of Dawson, if not self-sus-
taining, at least partially so. The church has always had the
support of the best and most influential citizens, and we believe
it will, in time, become a great power in this community.
On the 28th of October, 1884, the church was reorganized,
with twenty members. Mr. John K. McDonald was ordained as
Ruling Elder and, with T. R. DeYarman, installed.
From June, 1885, to May, 1888, Rev. N. G. White, acted as
Stated Supply.
Rev. Joseph L. Hunter was installed pastor in May, 1888.
Soon after Mr. Hunter became pastor. Dr. Wm. A. Shoema-
ker was ordained and installed in the eldership.
The Session, at present, are Rev. Jos. L. Hunter, Moderator,
with Elders J. K. McDonald and Dr. Wm. A. Shoemaker. The
church has had six elders. We have now a membership of twen-
ty-one.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, 1 73
LEISENRING.
BY REV. H. C. MORLEDGE.
In the autumn of 1881, the Connellsville Coke and Iron
Company began manufacturing coke at this place. This brought
in a class of miners and laborers who, as a rule, had but little in-
terest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A few devout Christians
among the official members of the company, saw the importance
of immediate active Christian work for the benefit of these
classes.
In December, of the same year, they organized a Sabbath
School in the school-house just then completed. They also
made application to the company for means to carry on Christian
work, and received in turn a monthly appropriation, to which
they added a sufficient amount to put the Sabbath School on a
good working basis, and hold one preaching service every Sab-
bath. For a time they had the ministers of various denomina-
tions in this vicinity to preach for them. This plan, not proving
practicable, they made application to the Seminary for a young
man to take charge of the work.
In December, 1883, Rev. A. J. Herries, then in his senior
year at the Seminary, took charge of the work. Prior to this
time, a Sabbath School had been organized at Shaft No. 2, known
as West Leisenring, and preaching services were also held at that
point; so, when Mr. Herries began his work, he found at the two
points a population of near 3,000 souls. He continued to sup-
ply them with preaching with the help of other young men from
the Seminary, until his graduation, April, 1884. He then settled
among the people and continued the work as a missionary on a
mission-field, without any church organization, up till the follow-
ing winter.
At a called meeting of Redstone Presbytery, held in the
school-house at this place, January 20th, 1885, the church was
formally organized to be known as "Leisenring Presbyterian
174 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Church," the charter membership numbering fifteen, and elders
two — Jno. A. Esser and Jas. Eaton.
Rev. A. J. Herries was then duly appointed by the Presby-
tery as Stated Supply of the church till the next regular meeting.
In May, 1885, Mr. Herries was installed pastor of the church,
and in September of the same year, Presbytery, at his own re-
quest, dissolved the relationship.
The church again received supplies from the Seminary till
the following spring, when Rev. H. C. Morledge was called to
the pastorate. He accepted, was installed and began his work
as pastor in June, 1886.
The church has gradually increased in membership since its
organization till the present. It now numbers seventy-nine.
Last winter the subject of church edifices was agitated. Two
plans were selected, subscriptions solicited, and the work on two
churches costing, in toto, ^8,000, begun. One of these is now
completed and will be dedicated in a few weeks. The other will
be dedicated, we hope, by next Christmas (1888.)
WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY
SOCIETY.
BY MRS. ANNA M. BAILIE.
Of the pioneer Woman's Missionary Societies in our midst,
Connellsville, Mt. Pleasant, New Providence and Pleasant Unity
date their beginning in 1872. Mt. Pleasant Reunion and New
Salem were reorganized in 1874. In February, 1875, Miss S.
Loring, formerly of Syria, then employed by the Woman's For-
eign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church to travel
among the churches, visited our Presbytery, and the societies of
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1/5
Brownsville, Dunbar, McKeesport and Uniontown were formed
at that time. In pursuance of calls given by the parent society
and many of our pastors, a meeting of ladies was held in connec-
tion with the meeting of Redstone Presbytery, June 15th, 1875,
at Connellsville, and the Woman's Missionary Society was then
and there organized. Of this meeting Mrs. J. M. Barnett, of
Connellsville, was chairman; Mrs. J. Cunningham, of Mt. Pleas-
ant, secretary. The officers of the society then chosen were,
president, Mrs. John McMillan, of Mt. Pleasant Reunion; record-
ing secretary, Miss M. B. Campbell, of Uniontown ; correspond-
ing secretary, Miss L. G. Neel, Mt. Pleasant Reunion; treasurer.
Miss Lizzie Taylor, of Connellsville. The parent society was
represented by Mrs. S. M. Henderson, of Wilkinsburg, who was
very a6live in giving every assistance and encouragement in her
power. In the evening Presbytery held a special joint session
with the ladies, devoted to the interest of Foreign Missions, and
the custom was kept up during the time in which the meetings
were held, at the same time and place. Two more meetings were
held in this year for the purpose of perfecting the organization
and laying out definite plans of work: one of these on July i6th
at Uniontown, the other, October 6th, at the Mt. Pleasant Reunion
Church, Presbytery being assembled at the same time in Mt.
Pleasant church. At the July meeting each society was assigned
some two or three neighboring churches in which they were to
endeavor to secure organizations. In some cases this was done;
in others the pastors called together their ladies and formed them
into societies so that at the next meeting, held in McKeesport,
October 26th, 1876, the additional organizations of Belle Vernon,
Little Redstone, Long Run, McClellandtown and Round Hill
were reported, making fifteen auxiliaries with a membership of
610, taking 123 copies of "Woman's Work," and contributing for
the year ;^986.38. Thus was our Presbyterial society fairly
launched, and from this time on the records of the Woman's For-
eign Missionary Society, at 1334 Chestnut street, give the statis-
tics of our work. The constitution adopted at one of the previous
meetings was very brief and did not define the times of meeting.
A resolution had fixed October and June as the time for regular
1/6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
meetings. There seeming to be some confusion on this point, a
committee was chosen to revise the constitution and the next
meeting was appointed for Uniontown in October. So many la-
dies being absent at that time at the Centennial in Philadelphia,
the meeting was postponed, and the society next con\'ened at
Long Run church, April 24th, 1877. At this time the following
officers were chosen; president, Mrs. A. M. Bailie, of McKees-
port; recording secretary, Mrs. Wm. N. Robbins, of Long Run;
corresponding secretary. Miss M. B. Campbell, of Uniontown ;
treasurer, Mrs. S. S. Gilson, of Uniontown. The report on con-
stitution was deferred, but it w-as decided that the annual meeting
should be held each year in October, and a meeting was appoint-
ed for this year in McKeesport in October. Mrs. W. H. Schenck,
President, and Mrs. A. L. Massey, one of the secretaries of the
parent society, being providentially present at this time, the for-
mer presided over the sessions by request of the president, Mrs.
Bailie. The subject of the constitution occupied m.uch time and
one founded largely on the model sent out from 1334 Chestnut
street, the headquarters of the Woman's Foreign Missionary So-
ciety of the Presbyterian Church, was adopted article by article.
It pledged auxiliaryship to this society, but the name already
chosen was left unchanged with a view to hearing reports, etc.,
of other mission work than that done exclusively in foreign fields.
In it four vice-presidents were provided for, to be elected by the
society, and those chosen at this time were Mrs. S. F. Stevenson,
of Scottdale ; Miss Maggie McClintock, of New Providence ; Miss
L. G. Neel, of Mt. Pleasant Reunion; and Mrs. Angeline Walker,
of Round Hill. The other officers were re-elected. Considera-
ble discussion was held as to the advisability of holding our
meetings in connection with Presbytery. All admitted the
benefit of the joint ev^ening sessions, yet the difficulty of hav-
ing a place for both meetings selected by either one of the bod-
ies, the extra burden upon those entertaining, and the absence
of many ministers' wives from such meetings because they
could not leave home at the same time with their husbands
seemed weighty arguments on the other side. The decision
was left to the Executive Committee and to them also was re-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 177
ferred the work of districting the Presbytery and assigning to
each member of the Executive Committee a certain number of
churches in which she was to endeavor to secure new organiza-
tions and foster and care for those already formed. At an Ex-
ecutive Committee meeting, held in Connellsville, June 17th, the
Prerbytery was divided into seven districts. These have since
been changed to four, but the system is still in force. It was
thought best to meet at a difiterent time and place from Presby-
tery, and the next meeting was fixed for Dunbar. At this time
Miss Campbell was relieved from the corresponding secretary-
ship, by her own request, and Miss E. G. Neel was chosen to fill
the position, while Miss Campbell agreed to take the place of
vice-president, then held by I\Iiss Neel. Thus, with the excep-
tion of this interim, Miss Neel has been our corresponding secre-
tary ever since the organization until this present time. Mrs.
Gilson leaving the Presbytery, Miss Fannie Elliot was chosen
treasurer at the next meeting held in Belle Vernon, October 22d
and 23d. 1879. At this meeting the first complete and separate
reports from Bands were received and recorded, showing nine
Bands, viz.: Happy Band, of Belle Vernon; Loring Band, of
Dunbar; Fitna Band, of Elizabeth ; Star Band, of Long Run;
McBride Band, of McKeesport ; Ingleside Band, of Mt. Pleasant;
Layyah Band, of Mt. Pleasant Reunion; Trusting Band, of Pleas-
ant Unity, and Syrian Maids of Uniontown. Of these, a few
had been organized for some time; some were revived and others
newly organized by Miss Loring, in her second tour of the Pres-
bytery, in this year. While some of these have kept steadily on
under the same name, (changing their membership from time to
time, of course,) others have dropped out and new organizations
have taken their places, while we regret to say that in some of
these churches, despite the increased facilities for carrying on
such work, no organization for children exists to-day. The
children who constituted these Bands in 1879, are not in such or-
ganizations now, having outgrown them, but we rejoice to know
that the impetus to consecrated life then given has not been lost,
and have we not just now sent out one of these little ones, a
member of this same Happy Band at this time, to cany the
178 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
"good news" to the benighted women of China? These nine
Bands had at this time a membership of 246 and contributed for
the year ^291.97.
In 1880 we met in Mt. Pleasant, changing our treasurer to
Mrs. E. J. Kaine, of Uniontown. In 1881 we met in EHzabeth
and chose for treasurer, Mrs. S. F. Jones, of Belle Vernon, who
has ever since filled the position so ably. In 1882 we met at
New Salem, with a face grown very familiar missing, recalling
the fact that death had for the first time since our organization,
removed one of our officers, and we paid grateful tribute to the
memory of Mrs. W. N. Robbins, who had, since her election in
1887, so faithfully filled her place as Recording Secretary. Miss
Maggie McClintock, of Carmichaels, was chosen to fill the place
thus made vacant and she continues to be the Recording Secre-
tary up to this time. Another Corresponding Secretary has been
added for young people and the position is filled by Miss Sadie
Speers, of Dunbar.
These years, thus rapidly named, had witnessed much steady
growth, but no particular change in plans or methods. At the
eighth annual meeting, held in Long Run Church, in 1883, Miss
F. A. Dyer, of Covington. Pa., an official representative of the
Woman's Executive Committee of Home Mission presented
this cause and urged definite action. The majority favoring a
separate organization, a meeting was arranged for that purpose
and a Presbyterial Home Missionary Society was formed, which
held its meetings jointly with us (each society taking one day);
in 1884, at Uniontown; in 1885, at McKeesport; in 1886, at Mt
Pleasant and in 1887, at West Newton. In the meantime our
constitution was changed, altering our name to "The Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society of Redstone Presbytery." At the
meeting in West Newton, it was proposed to try separate meet-
ings, one in the spring and one in the fall, many thereby hoping
to shorten the time and increase the interest in both meetings.
Our constitution requiring us to meet in October, notices of a
proposed change were sent out and a called meeting was held in
Connellsville, to consider this subject and test the feasibility of a
spring meeting. The proposed change was lost and we met
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
179
again in the fall at Rehoboth, in September, instead of October,
in order to have the privilege of saying good-bye to Mr. and
Mrs. Hamilton, our own Clara Linton, and bidding them God
speed on their way to China. During the month of June, Mrs.
Mary Shaw, of Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of China, visited our
societies and bands, forming some new ones and stimulating the
work. By the statistical report at the close, it will be seen that
our gain in some things has been small, in others great, but we
know that whatever we may have been enabled to accomplish
for our heathen sisters, through God's blessing upon our efforts,
"He hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad" and our
earnest prayer is, that all the women of our churches may be
aroused to their privilege in this matter of working "together
with Christ," and come with us, for we know that we, through
God's help, will do them good.
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24
764
113
1283 15
14
340
8
350 26
1633 41
April,
1884 .
22
690
114
1181 II
12
323
171
261 14
1442 25
April,
1885 .
22
549
104
1080 92
13
.
358 98
1439 90
April,
1886 .
22
619
125
988 99
14
358
102
251 16
1240 05
April,
1887 .
22
710
109
889 6^
13
413
92
343 95
1233 62
April,
1888 .
22
680
114
1610 07
21
412
68
426 50
2036 57
l80 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
WOMAN'S HOME MISSIONARY
SOCIETY.
BY MRS. R. E. P. ANDREWS.
By the instruction of the General Assembly of 1876, the
Synods were authorized to form Synodical Committees in the
Presbyteries. The object was to organize Woman's Home Mis-
sion work, that the increasing demand in our land might be met.
Mrs. E. J. Kaine, of Uniontown, was appointed for this work in
Redstone Presbytery, to serve for one year. Afterward, at her
request, Mrs. W. Fulton Price, of Dunbar, was made a co-worker.
The duties of this committee were not clearly defined, and un-
der the circumstances it was difficult to know what to do.
After the organization of the Synodical Committee of the
Synod, the following Synodical Committee of the Presbytery was
appointed : Mrs. Joseph Robbins, of Long Run ; Miss Ruth E.
Plumer, of West Newton, and Mrs. Thomas Irwin, of Long Run.
At the meeting of the "Woman's Missionary Society" at
Long Run, in October, 1883, the work of Home Missions was
definitely presented by the Secretary of the Synodical Committee.
A desire for organization was manifest. The Corresponding Sec-
retary of the Woman's Executive Committee, Miss Fannie A.
Dyer, was present, and was invited to visit the churches. This
was done and on the 6th of March, 1884, in the church at Con-
nellsville, the organization was formed. The chairman of the
Synodical Committee of the Synod, Mrs. Kate P. Bryan, pre-
sided. At the close of devotional exercises the object of the
meeting was stated, and Miss Ruth E. Plumer was chosen secre-
tary. The roll was called and the following churches responded
by delegate : Long Run, West Newton, Connellsville, Union-
town, New Salem, Tent, Fairchance, Mt. Vernon, Mt. Pleasant;
by representation: Scottdale and New Providence; by letter:
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. l8l
McKeesport, Dunlap's Creek, Somerset, Rehoboth, New Provi-
dence, Belle Vernon. There were also present, Mrs. Bailey and
Miss L. G. Neel, president and secretary of the "Woman's Mis-
sionary Society" of the Presbytery. Shall we organize jointly
or separately was open for discussion and each delegate was
called to express the wish of her society. West Newton alone,
gave her voice for joint organization, that is, one president for
Home and Foreign, and distinct secretaries and treasurers. The
following officers were then elected: President, Mrs. A. Z. Mc-
Gogney, Connellsville. Vice-presidents, Mrs. Neff, New Haven ;
Mrs. Knox, McKeesport; Mrs. Larimer, Long Run; Mrs. Mil-
holland, Uniontown. Corresponding Secretary, Miss Ruth E.
Plumer, West Newton. Recording Secretary, Mrs. S. E. C. Al-
lison, Uniontown. Treasurer, Mrs. Brittie Power Huselton,
West Newton. The Constitution was adopted as a whole, with
such exceptions as suited the convenience of the society.
At the close of the meeting, the Executive Committees of
the two societies held a brief session and decided to hold the
two annual meetings at the same time and place, devoting one-
half time to each society. The first meeting was held in Union-
town, in September, 1884; the second in McKeesport, in Octo-
ber, 1885. At this meeting, Miss Annie S. Ewing, of Union-
town, was elected Recording Secretary. Annual reports of our
work were sent to the spring sessions of Presbytery. In the
spring following the last meeting, a letter was prepared by the
Corresponding Secretary and addressed : "To the Pastors and
Ruling Elders of Redstone Presbytery now in session at Mc-
Keesport." In this our work was presented and approved, and
co-operation invited.
The following reply was received:
Fairchanxe, Pa., July 14th, 1886.
Miss Ruth E. Plumer, Secretary of Presbyterial Home Missions :
I am instructed to send you the following action of Red-
stone Presbytery: Resolved, ist. That the Presbytery hereby
expresses its great satisfaction, in view of the good work accom-
plished by our Home Mission Presbyterial Society, and that we
152 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
express to them our entire sympathy with them in their work.
2d. That our Stated Clerk be directed to transmit to this socie-
ty, through their Secretary, Miss R. E. Plumer, these resolu-
tions, together with the resolutions referring to their work at our
last stated meeting. The action taken at Pleasant Unity is as
follows: Resolved, That we urge the organization of a Wo-
man's Home Missionary Society in every church in the Presby-
tery, where such an organization does not exist.
W. C. Bailey, Stated Clerk.
The third meeting was held in Mt. Pleasant Reunion Church,
and at this meeting Miss Ruth E. Plumer was elected president
and Mrs. Davitt, of McKeesport, corresponding secretary. The
latter declining, the work was carried on for the year without the
office.
The fourth annual meeting was held in West Newton. An
interesting feature was a Thank Offering service. The offering
amounted to $101.75. Mrs. R. F. Smith, of Pleasant Unity, was
elected recording secretary, and Mrs. Isabel R. Harrison, of Mc-
Keesport, corresponding secretary.
Valuable service has been given by Mrs. Sarah Finley, Mrs.
L. P. Meloy, Mrs. Vinnie Robinson, Mrs. M. C. Bailey and Mrs.
A. O. Robinson.
Death has found its shining marks and removed Mrs. Berry,
Mrs. Larimer, Mrs. Emma Robinson Deffenbaugh and Miss Ada
Brown.
To advance the work, letters have been sent to the auxilia-
ries and churches, literature distributed and meetings held in the
four districts.
There are fifteen Societies, six Bands and one "Young Men's
Circle." The total membership of the Society, as reported, is
444. It has contributed in money, 1^2,459, ^"^ '^^ boxes, $724.96.
The office of treasurer has been filled since the organization
by Mrs. Brittle Power Huselton. The foundation has been laid
in believing prayer, and we trust this fair building will rise to the
honor of the Lord our God.
The fifth annual meeting will be held in Uniontown, Octo-
ber loth, 1888.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 183
ROLL OF MINISTERS AND LICENTIATES.
No. I. Joseph Smith. Original member; lie. P.b.y. New
Castle, Aug. 5, '67; ord. and inst. Lower Brandywine, Del, P.
April 19, '67-1772; 2d ch. Brandywine, P. 1774-1778; transferred
to Presbytery of Redstone; P. Buffalo and Cross Creek, 1780-
1792; died, April 19, 1792.
No. 2. John McMillan, D. D. Original member; lie.
1774, Pres. New Castle; ord. Pres. Donegal; P. Chartiers and
Pigeon Creek, 1781-1833; set over to form Ohio Pres., Oct. 18,
1793; died, Nov. 16, 1833; founded the "Log College" about
i78o-'82.
No. 3. James Power, D. D. Original member; lie. June
24, 1772, by Pres. of New Castle; ord. by same, 1776; P. Sewick-
ley, 1781-1787; Mt. Pleasant, 1781 — April 15, 1817; died, Aug. 5,
1830.
No. 4. Thaddeus Dodd. Original member; lie. 1775,
Pres. New York; ord. same Pres., 1777; P. Patterson's Creek,
Hampshire co., Va., 1 777-1 779; transferred to Ten Mile, Red-
stone; P. 1 781-1793; taught Ten Mile and Washington; died.
May 20, 1793.
No. 5. James DuNLAP, D. D. Lie. 1776, Pres. Donegal;
ord. 1781, Pres. New Castle; rec'd, Oct. 15, 1782; P. Dun-
lap's Creek, 1782-89; Laurel Hill, 1782 — June 29, 1803;
dis. Pres. Ohio, June 29, 1803; Pres't Jeff. Coll., 1803-1811;
rec'd, Oct. 29, 18 1 3, Ohio; P. Uniontown, 1812-1814; dis. Oct.
16, 1 8 16, Phila.; died, 1818.
No. 6. John Clark. Rec'd Pres. New Castle, March 12,
1783; supplied for a time Peter's Creek; P. Lebanon, April; 1788,
Bethel — transferred to Pres. Ohio, Oct. 18, 1793.
No. 7. James Finley. Ord. and inst. by New Castle Pres.
P. East Nottingham, Md., 1752-1782; rec'd, June 21, 1785; P.
Rehoboth and Round Hill, 1785-1795; died, Jan. 6, 1795.
184 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 8. Samuel Barr. Called to Pittsburg and Pitt tp.,
Dec, 1785 ; rec'd from Pres. New Castle, April 17, 1787; P. Pitts-
burg and Pitt tp., till June, 1789; suspended, 1789 ; restored,
1790; dis. to Pres. New Castle, Sept. 30, 1790.
No. 9. John Brice. Taken on trials, Aug. 16, 1786; lie.
April 16, 1788; ord. April 22, 1790 and inst. P. Three Ridges
and Forks of Wheeling; transferred to form Pres. Ohio, Oct. 18,
1793-
No. 10. James Hughes. Taken on trials, Aug. 16, 1786;
lie. April 16, 1788; called, April 22, 1789, to Lower Buffalo and
Short Creek; ord. and inst. P., April 21, 1790; transferred to
form Pres. of Ohio, Oct. 18, 1793.
No. II. Joseph Patterson. Taken on trials, Aug. 13,
1788; lie. Aug. 13, 1788; called, April 22, 1789, to Upper Rac-
coon and Montour's Run; ord. and inst., Nov. ii, 1789; trans-
ferred to form Pres. Ohio, Oct. 18, 1793.
No. 12. James McGrady. Taken on trial, April 19, 1787;
lie. Aug. 13, 1788 ; dismissed as licentiate to Pres. of Orange,
April 20, 1 79 1.
No. 13. John McPherrin. On trials, Jan. 21, 1789; lie.
Aug. 20, 1789; called to Salem and Unity, April 20, 1790; ord.
and inst., Sept. 22, 1790 ; Unity, 1790-1800; Salem, 1790 — April
19, 1803 ; dis. to Erie, Oct. 16, 1804.
No. 14. Samuel Porter. On trial as cand., Jan. 22, 1789;
lie. Nov. 12, 1789; called to Poke Run and Congruity, April 21,
1789; ord. and inst.. Poke Run and Congruity, Sept. 22, 1790 —
April II, 1798; inst. Congruity, P. April 11, 1798 ; died, Sept. 23,
1825.
No. 15. Robert Marshel. On trials, April 24, 1789; lie.
April 23, 1790; Synodical Miss'y, Sept. 30, 1790 — Oct. 1792;
dis. to Pres. Transylvania, 1792, as licentiate.
No. 16. Rev. Robert Finley. Rec'd Nov. 11, 1789, from
Pres. S. Carolina; called to Mill Creek and King's Creek, April
21, 1790; dis. June 29, 1791, Ky.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 85
No. 17. George Hill. On trials, April 23, 1790; lie. Dec.
22, 1 791 ; called to Fairfield, Donegal and Wheatfield, April 17,
1792; ord. Nov. 13, 1792, and inst. as P. — Wheatfield, April 11,
1798; Fairfield and Donegal, 1798 — Oct. 21, 1818; called to
Fairfield and Ligonier same date; inst. Nov., 1818; died, June 9,
1822.
No. 18. William Swan. On trials, April 21, 1791 ; lie.
Dec. 22, 1791 ; called to Long Run and Sewickley and ord. and
inst., Oct. 16, 1793; res. Oct. 20, 181 8; called to Long Run,
April 20, 1 8 19, and inst. during the summer; res. April 17,
1822; died, Nov. 13, 1827.
No. 19. David Smith. On trials, Dec. 20, 1791 ; lie. Nov.
14, 1792 ; called to George's Creek and Union (Tent), Oct. 16,
'93 ; ord. and inst, Aug. 20, 1794; res. Oct. 18, 1797 ; Rehoboth
and Round Hill, inst. Dec. 27, 1797; died, Aug. 24, 1803.
No. 20. Rev. Jacob Jennings. Rec'd, April 17, 1792, Ref.
Dutch Synod N. Y. and N. J.; supplied previously at Delap's
Creek and Muddy Creek; called and inst. P. Delap's Creek and
Muddy Creek; dis. fi-om Muddy Creek, Oct. 17, 1797; resigned
Dunlap's Creek, June 18, 181 1; died, Feb. 17, 1813.
No. 21. Thomas Marquis. On trials, April 19, 1792; lie.
April 19, 1793; dis. as licentiate to Ohio Pres., April 15, 1794;
called to Cross Creek.
No. 22. Boyd Mercer. On trials, June 27, 1792; lie.
April 19, 1793; dis. as licentiate to Pres. Ohio, Oct. 22, 1794;
supplied part of the time at McKeesport till 1822.
No. 23. Samuel Mahon. Rec'd as a licentiate from Pres.
Carlisle, Nov. 14, 1792; called to Pittsburg; dis. to Carlisle, Oct.
17. 1793-
No. 24. Thomas Moore. Rec'd as licentiate from Cong'l
Asso. of Bristol, Mass., Oct. 16, 1793; called to United Con-
gregations of Ten Mile; dis. to the Pres. of Ohio, Aug. 19, 1794;
ord. and inst. there, Oct. 16, 1799; rec'd from Ohio, July 4, 1804;
1 86 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
called to Salem and inst., April 19, 1809; dis. April 20, 1814, to
Lancaster Pres.
No. 25. James Adams. On trials, April 23, 1795; lie.
April 20, 1797; called to Union (Tent), George's Creek and
Muddy Creek (New Providence), April 9, 1799; ord. and inst.,
Oct. 19, following; resigned Muddy Creek, April 22, 1802; res.
Oct. 19, 1 8 14, and dis, same time to Pres. of Lancaster.
No. 26. Samuel Ralston. Rec'd as licentiate from Pres.
New Castle, April 19, 1796; dis. Pres. Ohio, Oct 19, 1796; called
to Mingo Creek and Horse Shoe Bottom.
No. 27. Wm. Woods. Rec'd as licentiate, Pres, New Cas-
tle, Oct. 19, 1796; dis. Pres. Ohio, April 18, 1797; called to
Bethel and Lebanon.
No. 28. Andrew Given. On trials, Oct 18, 1797; lie,
Oct. 18, 1798; dis. as a lie. to Pres. of Ohio, Dec. 25, 1799.
No. 29. Rev. Jos. W. Henderson. Rec'd from Pres. Car-
lisle, April 9, 1799; called to Ebenezer and Bethel, on Blacklick,
April 10, 1799; res. Oct. 22, 1823; set over to form Blairsville
Pres., Oct. 30, 1830.
No. 30. William MooRHEAD. On trials, June 26, 1799;
lie. April 9, 1800; died, Dec. i, 1802; traveled for his health.
No. 31. John Boyd. On trials, April 10, 1800; lie. April
23, 1801 ; accepted a call and was dismissed, Oct. 21, 1801, to
the Pres. of Erie, organized by Synod of Va. in 1801.
No. 32. Francis Laird. Lie. from Pres. Carlisle; rec'd,
June 24, 1800; called to Puckety (Plum Creek) and Poke Run,
same date; ord. and inst., Oct. 22, 1800; set over to form Blairs-
ville Pres., Oct. 30, 1830.
No. 33. Rev. John Black. Rec'd Pres. Carlisle, Dec. 24,
1800; supplied Greensburg and Unity, April 21, 1801 — April 21,
1802.
No. 34. John Wright. On trials, April 23, 1801; lie,
Oct. 21, 1802; called to Hawking and Rush Creek, April 17,
1805, Pres. Ohio, and dis., Oct. 16, 1805.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 8/
No. 35. James McLane. Lie. and rec'd, Oct. 21, i8oi, from
Pres. Carlisle, supply; last mention found of him, April 19, 1804.
No. 36. Abraha.m Boyd. Lie. and rec'd, Oct. 21, 1801,
from Pres. Ohio ; accepted call and dismissed to the new Pres.
of Erie, Oct. 21, 1801.
No. 37. James Guthrie. On trials, Oct. 22, 1801 ; lie.
April 20, 1803; called to Laurel Hill and Tyrone, April 18, 1804,
and ord. and inst. P., April 17, 1805-1850; died, Aug. 24, 1850.
No. 38. Rev. Robert Steele. Rec'd, April 21, 1802,
from Pres. Londonderry, Ireland, after the trials prescribed by
the General As.sembly; called to Pittsburg. Oct. 20, 1802; had
supplied previously ; died, March 22, 1810.
No. 39. Robert McGarraugh. On trials, June 23, 1802;
lie. Oct. 19, 1803; called to New Rehoboth and Licking, April
17, 1805, and after several disappointments because of distance,
ord. and inst., Nov. 12, 1807; set over to Erie, Oct. 15, 181 1.
No. 40. James Galbraith. On trials, June 23, 1802; lie.
Oct. 19, 1803; itinerated out of bounds of Pres.; dis. to Erie,
Oct. 17, 1805; rec'd from Erie, Oct. 22, 1806, and called to Gil-
gal and Harmony; ord. and inst. P., Nov. 13, 1806; res. Har-
mony, April 21, 181 1 ; supplied at Indiana half time; res. Gilgal,
April 16, 1816; dis. April 17, 1866, to Huntingdon.
No. 41. Rev. William Speer. Rec'd, April 19, 1803,
from Pres. of Washington; called to Greensburg and Unity and
inst. pastor; died, April 26, 1829.
No. 42. James Graham. Lie. and rec'd, April 18, 1804,
from Pres. Carlisle; called to Pitt tp. (Beulah), April 18, 1804;
ord. and inst, Oct. 18, 1804; set over to Blairsville Pres., Oct. 30,
1830.
No. 43. Rev. Wm. Wylie. Rec'd, Feb. 6, 1805, from Pres.
Erie, and called to Rehoboth and Round Hill and inst. same
year; res. April 16, 18 16; called to Uniontown, April 21, 18 19;
1 88 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
inst. P. 1st Tuesday of May, 1819; res. Oct., 1823, and dis. to
Pres. of Washington.
No. 44. Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden. Rec'd, Oct. 15,
1805, from Pres. Carlisle and called on Oct. 16, to 2d Pres. ch.,
Pittsburg, and inst.; res. and was dis. to Pres. of New Castle,
Dec. 10, 1805 ; rec'd, April 19, 1825; supplied Kittanning two
years; dis. to Allegheny Pres., Oct. 6, 1830.
No. 45. John Boggs. Lie. and rec'd, Oct. 21, 1807, from
Pres. of Winchester and called to the 2d Pres. ch., Pittsburg; ord.
and inst. P., Dec. 2d, 1807; res. April 20, 1808, and dis. to Pres.
of Winchester.
No. 46. Samuel Porter, Jr. On trials, April 18, 1809;
lie. Dec. 26, 1809; dis., Oct. 17, 18 10, to Pres. of Carlisle.
No. 47. Thomas Hurst. Lie. and rec'd, June 27, 1809,
from Pres. Ohio, and called to the 2d ch., Pittsburg ; ord. and
inst. P., Dec. 27, 1809; res. July 1st, 18 18; dis. Oct 9, 18 18, to
Ohio.
No. 48. Rev. Joseph Stockton. Rec'd, Oct. 17, 18 10,
from Pres. Erie; supply Allegheny and Pine Creek, '15-22; set
over to Pres. of Ohio, October 15, '22.
No. 49. Rev. Francis Herron. Rec'd, June 18, 181 1,
from Pres. Carlisle and called to the ist Pres. ch., Pittsburg, and
inst. as pastor; set over to Pi'es. of Ohio on Oct. 15, '22 ; res. in
'50 ; died, Dec. 6, '60.
No. 50. Rev. Robert Lee. Rec'd, April 20, '13, Pres.
Erie; called, April 21, to Salem, and inst. P., Aug., '13 ; res., Oct.
20, '19; dis., April 17, '22, to Pres. Richland.
No. 51. Wm. Johnston. Lie. and rec'd, April 21, '13,
from Ohio and called to Dunlap's Creek and Brownsville, and
ord. and inst. P., Oct. 20, '13 ; died, Dec. 31, '41.
No. 52. Rev. Robert Patterson. Rec'd, Oct. 19, '13,
from Pres. Erie; set over to Pres. of Ohio, Oct. 15, '22.
No. 53. James Coe. On trials, Oct. 17, '16; lie. Oct. 22,
'17; dis. April 21, '19, to Pres. Washington.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 89
No. 54. John Ross. No mention of his reception as licen-
tiate ; after trials, ord. Dec. 3, '17, and inst. as P. of Somerset;
res. Oct. 20, '19; dis. to Pres. Ohio, same time.
No. 55. Rev. Robert Johnston. Rec'd, April 21, '18,
from Erie and called to Rehoboth and Round Hill and inst. P.,
June, 1818; res. Dec. 13. '31 ; supply for the winter; dis. to Blairs-
ville, April, '34.
No. 56. John Reed. Licentiate rec'd, April 21, '18, from
Ohio and called to Indiana and Gilgal; ord. and inst. P., Oct. 21,
*i8; set over to Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30.
No. 57. AsHBEL Green Fairchild. Licentiate rec'd, April
21, '18, from Pres. New Jersey; ord. as Ev., July i, '18; called
to Morgantown, George's Creek and Greensboro, July 2, '22, and
inst. P.; res. Morgantown and Greensboro, Oct. 19, '27; called to
Union (Tent), Oct, 19, and inst. 2d Monday of Nov., '2"]; died,
June 30, '64.
No. 58. Rev. Asa Brooks. Rec'd, April 20, '19, Cen-
tral Association, county of Hampshire, Mass.; called to French
Creek and Buckhannon, April 21; res. French Creek, Oct. 5,
'31 ; supply Clarksburg for 6 mos. ; died, Dec. 23, '34.
No. 59. Rev, Elisha P. Swift. Rec'd, Oct. 19, '19, from
Pres. of New Castle and called, Oct. 20, to 2d Pres. ch. Pittsburg,
and inst. ist Wednesday Nov. following; set over to Pres. Ohio,
Oct. 15, '22; continued in this pastorate till March, '33; Sec. W.
F. M. Society of Synod of Pittsburg, '33-35; P. ist ch., Alle-
gheny, '35-65 ; died, April 3, '65 ; D. D.
No. 60. Rev. Aretus Loomis. Rec'd, April 18, '20, from
Central Association, Hampshire co., Mass., and called to L^pper
and Lower congregations of Tygart's Valley; attached to Pres.
of Lexington, Oct. '23.
No. 61. Rev. Allen D. Campbell. Rec'd, Oct. 18, '20,
A. R. Pres. Monongahela; dis. Oct. 18, '20, to West Tennessee;
D. D.
No. 62. Rev. David Barclay. Rec'd, Oct. 18, '20, from
Pres. of Newton ; supplied Harmony, Lower Plum Creek and
IQO PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Glade Run, '21 ; supply at Punxsutawney part of time, Oct., '23;
set off, Oct. 30, '30. to Blairsville.
No. 63. Thomas Davis. On trials, Oct. 18, '20; lie. Feb.
13, '22; called to Salem and West Union (now Blairsville), Oct.
16, '22; ord. and inst, Nov. 13, '22; setoff, O.ct. 30, '30. This re-
lation continued till his death. May 28, '48. Rev. George Hill,
D. D., was co-pastor from Dec. 4, '41, and is still pastor of Blairs-
ville, with a co-pastor for the last year.
No. 64. Andrew O. Patterson. Licentiate rec'd, Jan. 15,
'21, from Pres. Washington ; ord. and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant and
Sewickley, April 18, '21 — Oct. 8, '34; Agt. Bd. Home Miss.,
'34; dis. to Beaver, April 5, '37; from Pres. Oxford, Nov. 11, '57;
inst. P. West Newton same day ; res. April, '63 ; to Pres. Oxford,
April 29, '63.
No. 65. Rev. John Andrews. Rec'd, April 16, '22, from
Pres. Chillicothe; set over to Pres. of Ohio, Oct. 15, 22,
No. 66. Matthew Dunlap. Licentiate rec'd, April, 6, '23,
from Relief Pres. of Glasgow, Scotland ; supplied various places
in and out of Pres.; was dismissed to Richland Pres., April 12,
'27; did not go ; last mention, Oct. 7, '30.
No. 67. John H. Kirkpatrick. Cand., April 20, '24; lie.
Oct. 4, '25 ; ord. and inst. P. Harmony and Armagh, Dec. 13, '26;
set over to Pres. Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30.
No. 68. Samuel Swan. Licentiate rec'd, April 20, '24, from
Pres. Huntingdon; ord. and inst. P. Fairfield, Ligonier and Don-
egal, June 17, '24; set over to Pres. Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30.
No, 69. Rev. Jesse Smith. Rec'd, April 21, '24, from
Pres. Winchester; inst. P. Ebenezer and Bethel, on Blacklick, 3d
Tuesday June; set over to Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30.
No. 70. Alexander McCandless. Licentiate rec'd. Oct.
19, '24, Pres. Ohio and ord. and inst. P. Long Run and McKees-
port, April 20, '25; res. McKeesport, Oct. 5, '37; res. Long- Run,
June 5, '38 ; inst. again '39 — April 8, '45 ; to Pres. Newton, N. J.,
Sept. 12, '46.
PRKSBYTERY OF REDSTONE. I9I
No. 71. Rev. Nathaniel R. Snowden. Rec'd, April 19,
'25, Pres. Northumberland ; supplied Kittanning and elsewhere;
dis. to Allegheny Pres., Oct. 6, '30.
No. 72. Rev. Joseph Harper. Rec'd, April 19, '25, Pres.
Richland ; inst. P. Saltsburg and Warren, 3d Thursday May, '25 ;
res. Warren, Oct. 6, '29; res. Saltsburg and dis. to Hartford (or
Erie), Oct. 5, '31.
No. 73. Rev. George Vaxeman. Attached by Synod to
Redstone, from Ohio, Oct. 3, '26 ; P. New Providence and Jef-
ferson; res. April 8, '35; to Pres. Miami, June 18, '35.
No. 74. Elisha D. Barret, M. D. Cand., Oct. 5, '25 ; lie.
April 12, '27; ord. P. Lower Plum Creek and Glade Run, Dec. lO,
'28; set over to Blairsville Pres., Oct. 30, '30.
No. 75. Samuel McFarren. Licentiate rec'd, Aug. 29,
'27 ,Pres. Washington; ord. and inst. P. Congruity, Oct. 3, '27;
set over to Blairsville Pres., Oct. 30, '30.
No. ^6. John Holmes Agnew. * Licentiate rec'd, Dec, 11,
'27, Pres. Carlisle, and ord. and inst. P. Uniontown, Jan. 26, '28 ;
res. April 2, '31, and dis. Washington Pres.
No. 'j'j. Ada.m Torrence. Cand., Oct. 8, '28 ; lie. Oct. 7,
'30; dis. to Pres. Richland, Oct. 4, '31.
No. 78. Robert Henry. Liccentiate rec'd, Oct. 7, '29,
from 2d Pres. New York ; ord. and inst. P. Greensburg and Unity,
April 7, '30; died, '39.
No. 79. John T. Ewing. Licentiate rec'd, Oct. 21, '29,
from Pres. New Brunswick ; to Blairsville Pres., Dec. 6, '32.
No. 80. Watson Hughes. Licentiate rec'd, June 15, '30,
Pres. Hartford ; ord. and inst. P. Saltsburg and Warren, Oct. 6,
'30; set over to Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30; from Blairsville, April 8,
'51; inst. P. West Newton, June 11 — Sept. 20, '54, and dis. to
Pres Ohio; from Pres. Ohio, Nov. 11, '57 ; died, March 25, '69.
No. 81. James Campbell. Licentiate rec'd, June 15, '30,
Pres. New Brunswick ; ord. and inst. P. Kittanning and Crooked
Creek, Aug. 11, '30; set over to Blairsville, Oct. 30, '30.
192 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 82. S. Howell Terry. Licentiate rec'd, June 15, '30.
Pres. Lewes; ord. and inst. P. Somerset and Jenner, July 7, '30 —
April 8, '35 ; to Blairsville Pres. same date.
No. 83. James Wilson. Cand., June 15, '30; lie. April 3,
'33; to Hudson Pres.. Oct. 18, '33.
No. 84. John Watson Johnston. Cand., April 2, '31 ; lie.
April 3, 33; to Pres. Allegheny, April 7, '36.
No. 85. Bela Allen. Cand., April 2, '31; died, March
26, '32.
No. 86. Joel Stoneroad. Licentiate rec'd, Oct. 4, '3 1 , Pres.
New Brunswick; ord. and inst. P. Uniontown, Dec. 13, '31 —
April 14, '41; to Pres. Washington, Oct. 6, '42; from Washing-
ton, June 5, '50, and installed co-pastor with Rev. Jas. Guthrie,
over Laurel Hill and Tyrone; then pastor; died, Aug. 1 1, '84.
No. 87. Rev. Cyrus B. Bristol. From Pres. of Bedford,
April 4, '32, and inst. P. Middletown or Fairmount; res. April
7, '44; to Blairsville Pres., April 8, '45.
No. 88. Robert M. Finley. Cand., Oct. 4. '32 ; lie. Oct.
9, '34; ord. as Ev., Oct. 5, '36; S. Supply Somerset and Jenner,
'46-'47 ; to Pres. Wooster, April 13, '47.
No. 89. Rev. Noah H. Gillett. From 2d Pres. Long
Island; inst. P. Rehoboth and Round Hill. Dec. 31, '34; res.
Round Hill, Nov. 17, '40, all his time to Rehoboth; res. Oct. 4,
'48, and dis. to Blairsville same day.
No. 90. James McDougall. Lie. from Pres. Cayuga,
April 7, '35; ord. as Ev., June 18, '35, missionary; to 2d Pres.
Long Island, Sept. 14, '36.
No. 91. William G. Bell. Cand., April 8, '35; lie. Oct.
5, '39; to Pres. Missouri, Jan. 15, '40.
No. 92. John M. Smith. Cand., Oct. 7, '35 ; lie. June 6,
'38; to Ohio, Dec. 3, '39; from Ohio, Sept. 18, '66; supply; name
stricken from the roll, April 26, '71.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 93
No. 93. Rev. W.m. Annax. From Pres. Huntingdon,
April 5, '36; inst. P. Sewickley, 2d Thursd. June, '36 — April 13,
'38; to Pres. Ohio, April 9, '39.
No. 94. Rev. Samuel Montgomery. From Pres. Blairs-
ville, April 5, '36 ; inst. P. Mt. Pleasant, last Tuesday April, 1836 ;
May 19. '40, ^vent to New School branch.
No. 95. Joseph H. Chambers. Cand., April 6, '36 ; lie.
April 13, '38; to Steubenville, Feb. 7, '39.
No. 96. Rev. James Baber. From Pres. of Lexington,
Oct. 5, '36; supply. New Providence, i year; to Pres. Winche.s-
ter, Oct. I, '39.
No. 97. Rev. John L. Hawkins. From Pres. Washing-
ton, June 20, 37, and inst. P. Connellsville same day; had been
stated supply from Dec. 15, '31 ; res. April 12, '43 ; to Pres, Kas-
kaskia, Oct. 6, '46.
No. 98. Jacob Pentzer. Cand., Oct. 5, '37; lie. April 16,
'40; to Pres. Miami, Oct. 6, '41.
No. 99. James Davis. Licentiate from Pres. Blairville,
April II, 1838; ord. and inst. P. Morgantown, Oct. 4, '37 — April
10, '55; to Pres. Blairsville, Oct. 22, '56.
No. 100. George Plumer. Cand., April 12, 1838 ; discon-
tinued, April 17, '40.
No. loi. EzEKiEL QuiLLEN. Licentiate from Pres. New
Brunswick, Oct. 2, 1838 ; ord. Oct. 4, '38; inst. P. Clarksburg,
Dec, '38 — April 15, '52; to Pres. Washington, April 12, '53.
No. 102. Thomas D. Martin. Licentiate from Pres. New
Brunswick, Oct. 3, 1838; ord. and inst. P. Brownsville, Jan. 4,
'43 — April 13, '52; to Vincennes, Oct. 5, '69.
No. 103. Wm. W. McLain. Cand., Oct. 3, 1838; lie. Oct.
2, '39; ord. as Ev., Nov. 18, '40; supplied in Pres. and inst. P. Mt.
Pleasant, 2d Saturday of May, '52 ; died, Nov. 10, '55.
. No. 104. William Eaton. Cand., Oct. 3, 1838; lie. April
16, '40; ord. and inst. P. Round Hill, June 17, '41 ; McKeesport,
194 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
'41 ; res. both, April 9, '44; dis. to Pres. Steubenville, Sept. 24,
'44; from Pres. Lake, Oct. 20, '55; inst. P. Clarksburg, Oct. 30 —
July I, '57; to Pres. Steubenville, April 13, '38.
No. 105. Charles Martin. Cand., April 11, 1839.
No. 106. Edward F. Brooks. Cand., Oct. 3, 1839; ^^
Pres. Raritan, April 13, '41.
No. 107. Rev. Joseph B. McKee. From Pres. Carlisle,
Dec. 3, 1839, and inst. P. Sewickley; res. April 12, '43 ; supply at
Mt. Washington, Brown's ch. and Indian Creek; died, April 18,
'69.
No. 108. John McClintock. Licentiate from Washing-
ton, Dec. 3, 1839; ord. and inst. P. New Providence, Jan. 15, '40;
Jefferson, June 29, '41; April 11, '49, whole time to New Provi-
dence.
No. 109. Smith F. Grier. Cand., Jan. 14, 1840; to Pres.
of New Brunswick, Oct. 6, '41.
No. no. J. Adley Calhoun. Cand., April 15, 1840; lie.
April II, '44; ord. and inst. P. Round Hill, June 10, '45 — '48;
died spring of '48.
No. III. Rev. Samuel Wilson. From. Pres. Hunting-
don, April 9, 1839, ^'"''^ ^'^st. P. Dunlap's Creek, Nov. 17, '40,
two-thirds time and McClellandtown one-third time, 3d Wednes-
day May, '41; res. April 28, '69; to Pres. Bloomington, Oct. 5,
'68; D. b.
No. 112. James I. Brownson. Licentiate from Pres. Car-
lisle, Oct. 6, 1841; ord. and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant, Nov. 25. '41;
Greensburg, Nov. 26, '41; res. Jan. 16, '48; to Washington Pres.
same date ; D. D.
No. 113. Joseph Campbell. Cand., Oct. 6, 1841; discon-
tinued, Oct. 5, '48.
No. 114. Rev. Andrew Ferrier, D. D. From 2d Pres.
New York, Nov. 29, 1842; inst. P. Uniontown, Nov. 30 — Aug. 6,
'44 ; dis. to Free Church Pres. of Hamilton, Canada West, Oct. 8,
'45-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 95
No. 115. Wm. Reed. Cand., April 12, 1843; teaching in
Indiana, '45.
No. 116. Wm. W. Woodend. Cand., from Pres. Blairs-
ville, Oct. 3, 1843 ; lie. Oct. 5, '43; to Pres. Steubenville, April 11,
'44; D. D.
No. 117. Rev. James Black, From Pres. St. Clairsville,
Sept. 24, 1844, S. Supply; to Pres. Winchester, April 10, '49.
No. 118. James Black. Cand., Sept. 24, 1844; lie. April
15, '52 ; taught in Dunlap's Creek Academy; ord. and inst. P.
Connellsville, June 14, '53 — Dec. 2, '59; dis. to Washington, Oct.
2, '60, as Prof. Washington College ; D. D., LL. D.
No, 119. John G. Howell. Licentiate from Pres. Car-
lisle, April 8, 1845 5 of<^- P- '^t Kingvvood, June 25, '46; supply
for region also ; died, 1856,
No. 120. Samuel Porter Skiles. April 9, 1845; discon-
tinued, April 12, '55.
No. 121. William C. Smith. Cand., April 10, 1845; to
Pres. New Albany, April 14, '52,
No. 122. Rev. Richard Graham. From Pres. Chillicothe,
June 10, 1845 ; 'list. P. Sewickley, June 12, '45 — April 10, '50; to
Pres. Maumee, Oct. ist, '50.
No. 123. William P. Harshe. Licentiate from Pres.
Washington, June 10, 1845; ord. and inst. P. Fairmount, Aug.
27, '45 — April 13, '53; to Pres. Des Moines, Oct. 20, '53.
No. 124. Ross Stevenson. Licentiate from Pres. Ohio,
June 10, 1845 ; ord. and inst. Connellsville, June 13, '45 — Oct. 6,
'52; to Pres. Blairsville same date; D. D.
No. 125. William D. Moore. Licentiate from Pres. Ohio.
June 10, 1845 ; ord. and inst. P. Long Run, June II, '45 — Sept. 15,
49; P. Mt. Pleasant and Greensburg, Oct. 2, '49; res. Mt. Pleas-
ant, April 9, '51, whole time to Greensburg; res. June 14, '53; to
Pres, Mississippi same day ; S. Supply Long Run, '64-66 ; chap-
lain in '65,
196 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 126. Rev. Griffith Owen. From Pres. Philadelphia,
June 13, 1845; inst. P. Uniontovvai, June 17, '45 — Nov. ii, '47,
and dis. to Pres. Philadelphia same day.
No. 127. John J. Neel. Cand., April 13, 1847; ^'c. Oct.
4, '48; died, Feb. 10, '52.
No. 128. Wm. a. Fleming. Cand., April 13, 1847; lie.
April 15, '52 ; to Pres. Peoria, Oct. 4, '53.
No. 129. Prosper Hubbard Jacob. Licentiate from Pres.
Beaver, June 2, 1847 ; ord. and inst. P. McKeesport, June 3, '47 —
Oct. 3, '51; to Pres. Coshocton, April 13, '52.
No. 130. Joseph Gans. Cand., June 3, 1847.
No. 131. Oliphant M. Todd. Cand., April 13, 1848; lie.
April II, '49; to Cincinnati, April 10, '50.
No. 132. Rev. Moses A. Williams. From Pres. Georgia,
Sept. 14, 1849; Ji^st. P. Uniontown, Nov^ 21, '49 — April 13, '52;
to Pres. California, Oct. 7, '57.
No. 133. Rev. Lewis A. Lowrie. From Pres. Union C.
P. ch., Sept. 5, 1849; <^is. to West Lexington, Ky., April 10, '50.
No. 134. Rev. George Dunham. From Pres. Flint River,
Sept. 17, 1849; supplied in Pres. ; to Pres. North Mississippi,
April 15, '57.
No. 135. Wm. J. Burchinal. Cand., Sept. 19, 1849; P^''"
mitted to relinquish study, because of impaired health ; to Pres.
Palmyra, Oct. 4, '65.
No. 136. Rev. James R. Hughes. From Pres. Steuben-
ville, Oct. 20, 1849; inst. P. Rehoboth, Nov. 8, '49 — Dec. 28, '64,
and same day to Blairsville Pres.
No. 137. Nathaniel B. Lyons. Cand, April 10, 1850;
lie. April 12, '55 ; to Pres. New Lisbon, April 10, '56.
No. 138. Rev. Peter Hassinger. From Huntingdon,
April 8, 1851 ; S. Supply Somerset and Jenner; to Pres. Kaskas-
kia, April 12, '53.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 1 9/
No. 139. Rev. Joseph Smith. From Ohio, June lo, 185 1 ;
inst. P. Round Hill same day; res. Jan. i, '56; inst. P. Greens-
burg, April 9, '56; set over to Blairsville, Oct., '58; D. D.
No. 140. Rev. Frederick A. Shearer. From Pres. Rich-
land, June 10, i85i;inst. P. Long- Run, June 19, '51 — Oct. 3,
'51; to Pres. Richland, April 14, '52; D. D.
No. 141. Samuel Hazlett. Cand., Sept. 17, 1851.
No. 142. James Caldwell. Cand.. April 13, 1852; lie.
April 13, '54; to Pres. Des Moines, April 10, '55.
No. 143. Alonzo Linn. Cand., April 13. 1852 ; lie. May 3,
'54; taught in Lafayette College; Prof, in Jeff. College and in
Washington and Jefferson College; to Washington Pres., '70;
Ph. D., LL. D.
No. 144. Rev. Cyrus C. Riggs. From Pres. Steubenville,
May 18, 1852 ; inst. P. Sewickley, June ist — April 9, '61 ; dis. at
same time to Pres. Beaver; D. D.
No. 145. Rev. Nathaniel West. From Pres. Ohio, Oct.
5, 1852; inst. P. McKeesport, May 3, '54 — July i, '56, and dis.
to Pres. Philadelphia ; D. D.
No. 146. John A. Mearns. Licentiate from Pres. New
Brunswick, Oct. 5, '52; ord. and inst. P. Long Run, Oct. 19, '52;
died, June 3, '54.
No. 147. Rev. James H. Callen. From Pres. Erie, April
13, 1853; '"St. P. Uniontown, April 27, '53 — April 10, '55 ; to ist
Pres. Philadelphia, Aug. i, '55.
No. 148. Joseph Mateer. Cand., from Pres. New Bruns-
wick, April 13, 1853 ; lie. April 14; to Pres. Clarion, Sept. 20, '54.
No. 149. Robert M. Wallace. Licentiate from Pres.
Newton, June 14, 1853; ord. and inst. P. Brownsville and Little
Redstone, June 15 — Feb. 17, '64, and dis. to Pres. Huntingdon
same date.
No. 150. Caleb W. Finley. Cand., June 14, 1853; lie.
May 16, '55; to Pres. Columbus, Oct. 2, '55.
198 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 151. James R. Moore. Licentiate from Pres. Wash-
ington, Oct. 5, 1853; engaged in teaching; dis. to West Vir-
ginia, May, '63.
No. 152. Rev. David Kennedy. From Pres. Ohio, April
12, 1854; inst. P. Greensburg, 19 April — Aug. i, '55; to 1st Pres.
New York, Nov. 13, '55.
No. 153. Hugh O. Rosborough. Licentiate rec'd, from
Pres. Washington, Sept. 20, 1854; ord. and inst. P. George's
Creek, June 5, '55; preached % time at Mt. Washington for 4
years; at Spring Hill Furnace, 12 years; at Greensboro, ii years;
still P. at George's Creek.
No. 154. Thomas P. Speer. Licentiate rec'd, from Pres.
Ballebay, Ireland, Sept. 20, 1854; dis. to Pres. Huntingdon, June
5/55-
No. 155. Francis H. Power. Cand., Sept. 20, 1854; lie.
May 16, '55 ; died, Oct. 16, '63; was in service of Christian Com-
mission.
No. 156. Robert C. Stewart. Cand., Sept. 20, 1854.
No. 157. Alexander McGaughey. Licentiate from 2d
Pres. New York, April 10, 1855 ; ord. and inst P. Long Run,
May 16, '55 — April 29, '63, and dis. to Blairsville Pres. same time.
No. 158. James H. Flanagan. Cand., April 11, 1855; lie.
Nov. 19, '56; ord. as Ev. to labor in Mission Ty. of Pres. in Va.,
April 14, '58; set over to Pres. West Virginia, May, '63.
No. 159. John C. Hench. Cand., April 11, 1855 ; lie. April
26, '65 ; ord. and inst. P. Tent ^ time and Mt. Washington S. S.,
Nov. 6, '66 — April 28, '69; to Pres. Western Reserve, Oct. 5, '69.
No. 160. Rev. Henry W. Biggs. From Pres. Vincennes,
Oct. 3, 1885 ; inst. Morgantown, Nov. 2, '55; set over to West
Virginia, May, 1863.
No. 161. Daniel Williams. Licentiate Pres. New Lis-
bon, Oct. 2, 1855 ; ord. and inst. P. West Newton, Nov. 13, '55 —
April 15, '57 ; dis. to Pres. Carlisle, April 13, '59.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, 1 99
No. 162. Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton. From Pres. Ohio, May
13, 1856, and inst. P. Uniontown, S. S. six months previous ; res.
May 31, '66; dis. to Pres. Blairsville, April 29, '68; D. D.
No. 163. Rev. Reuben Lewis. From Pres. Blairsville,
Sept. 19, 1856; P. Fairmount, Nov. 14, '56 — April 12, '59; dis. to
Pres. Montgomery, Oct. 4, '59; deceased.
No. 164. James Martin. Licentiate 2d Pres. Philadelphia,
Oct. 22, 1856 and ord. and inst. P. Round Hill, Nov. 19 — April
29, '63 ; dis. to Philadelphia same day.
No. 165. Robert F. Wilson. Licentiate from Pres. Hun-
tingdon, Oct. 22, 1856, and ord. and inst. P. McKeesport, Nov.
20 — May 14, '67; dis. to Pres. Carlisle, Jan. 21, '68,
No. 166. Samuel J. NiccoLLS. Cand., Oct. 6, 1857; lie.
April 14, '59; to Pres. Carlisle, Oct. 2, '60; D. D.
No. 167. Caleb B. Downs. Cand., Oct. 6, 1857; to Pres.
Richland, May 9, '60.
No. 168. David Henry Barron. Licentiate from Pres.
Allegheny City, April 13, 1858 ; ord. and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant,
May 13, '58 — Aug. 6, '61 ; dis. same date to Pres. Huntingdon;
D. D.
No. 169. Wm. Ward Campbell. Ch. of Uniontown
cand., April 13, 1858 ; lie. April 14, '59 ; ord. Oct. 5, '59 ; inst. P.
Fairmount, Nov., '59 — May 14, '62 ; set over to West Va., May,
•63.
No, 170. Robert Braden Moore. Ch. of Tyrone cand.,
April 13, 1858; lie. Oct. 4, '59; dis. to Pres. Huntingdon or Car-
lisle, Oct. 3, i860; D. D.
No. 171. Watson Russell. Licentiate from Pres. Car-
lisle, Oct. 6, 1858; ord. as Ev. Nov. 11, '58; dis. to Pres, Wash-
ington, Oct 2, '60.
No. 172. Luther L. Belden, Cand, from Ch. of Mor-
gantown, Oct. 6, 1858; lie. April 29, '63 ; dis. to Pres. Erie, Oct.
4, '64,
200 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 173. George C. Shepherd. Cand. from Ch. Mor-
gantown, Oct. 6, 1858.
No. 174. Benjamin F. Myers. Licentiate from Pre.s. Al-
legheny City, April 13, 1859; ord. and inst. P. Somerset and Jen-
ner, June 23, '59 — May 9, '60; dis. same time to Pres. Carlisle.
No. 175. George Paull. Cand. from Ch. of ConnelLsville,
Oct. 3, i860; lie. April 10, '61; ord. Sept. 16, '63, as Ev. and
Missionary; dis. to Pres. Corisco, Africa, Oct. 5, '64.
No. 176. Noah H. G. Fife. Ch. of Round Hill cand.,
April 10, 1861 ; lie. June 10, '62; ord. and inst. P. ConnelLsville,
April 29, '63 ; res. Nov. 29, '67; P. Long Run, June 23, '68; res.
Oct. 31, '73, and dis. to Pres. Rock River same time.
No. 177. Samuel L. Campbell. Licentiate from Pres. Al-
legheny City, Oct. I, 1861; dis. to Pres. Allegheny, April 24,
'66 ; changed to Potomac.
No. 178. James G. Patterson. Ch. of Brownsville, cand.
rec'd, April 22, 1862; lie. April 24, '67; dis. to Pres. S. Minne-
sota, Sept. 8, '68 ; rec'd from Pres. Iowa, April 24, 'tj ; dis. to
Pres. Columbus, June 27, 'yj.
No. 179. John C. McClintock. Ch. of New Providence
cand., April 22, 1862 ; lie. April 26, '65; dis. to Pres. Iowa, Aug.
29, '65 ; D. D.
No. 180. John Br-A.nch. Licentiate from Pres. Lexington,
July 8, 1862 ; ord. as Ev., July 9, '62 ; set over to Pres. West Va.,
May, '63.
No. 181. John L. Lutz. Of Rehoboth Ch. cand., Oct. 8,
1862; lie. Oct. 5, '64; to Pres. Burean, Sept. 18, '66.
No. 182. Rev. John M. Barnett. From Pres. St. Paul,
Nov. 4, 1862, and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant; had preached there from
Jan. 7 ; res. Oct. 6, '69; P. Connellsville, May 17, '70, till May 31,
'82 ; res. to become Financial Secretary of W. & J. College.
No. 183. Fred. B. Welty. Cand. April 29, 1863; lie.
April 23, '72; ord. Ev., April 24, '72; dis. to Pres. Wyoming,
Aug. 23, '72.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE, 201
No. 184. M. S. C. KiNKAiD. Cand., Oct. 6, 1863 ; lie. April
26, '65 ; died, March 25, '66.
No. 185. Wm. L. Boyd. Licentiate from Pres. St. Clairs-
ville, Oct. 6, 1863 ; ord. and inst. P. Sewickley, Nov. 3, '63 ; P.
Tyrone, June, '64 ; res. April 23, 'Gj; P. Round Hill, May 17,
'67 — Oct. 5, '70; dis. to Pres. Bloomington, Oct. 4, '71.
No. 186. J. Logan Sample. Licentiate from Pres. Phila-
delphia, Nov. 3, 1863; ord. and in.st. P. Round Hill, April 27. '64
— June 14, '66; dis. to Saltsburg Pres, April 23, '67.
No. 187. Rev. O. H. Miller. From Pres. Blairsville,
April 26, 1864; P. West Newton, May 9, '64 — Oct. 5, '69 ; by re-
construction act of '70. made a member of Carlisle Pres.
No. 188. Wm. C. Kuhn. Cand. from Pres. Ohio, April
27, 1864; lie. April 26, '65; to Pres. Huntingdon, Oct. 2, '67.
No. 189. John W. Gilmore. Cand. from Pres. Dubuque,
Oct. 4, 1864; lie. Oct. 5, '64; to Pres. W^ashington, April 24, '66.
No. 190. RoBT. H. Cunningham. Rehoboth cand., Oct.
4. 1864; lie. April 25, '66; to Pres. S. Minnesota, Oct. 2, '6^.
No. 191. Albert J. Caldwell. Rehoboth, cand., Oct. 4,
1S64; lie. April 25, "66; to Pres. Leavenworth, Jan. 21, '68.
No. 192. Joseph H. Stevenson. Licentiate from Pres.
Sidney, Oct. 5, 1864; ord. and inst. P. Brownsville and Little
Redstone, Oct. 14, '64 — April 28, '68; dis. to Pres. Huntingdon,
April 29, '68; from Pres. Washington, May, '"j^; S. S. Sewickley
and Tyrone; P. Tyrone, Nov. 14, '76; Scottdale, April 13, '"jy;
res. June 12, '83 ; dis. to Pres. Cairo, Oct. '83.
No. 193. Allen A. Hough. Brownsville, cand., April 26,
1865 ; lie. April 24, '67 ; to Pres. , April 27, '70; rec'd
from Pres. Steubenville, Sept 21, '81 ; P. Pleasant Unity, Oct. ii,
'81 — Sept. 29, '86; dis. to Pres. Blairsville, April, '87.
No. 194. Rev. Loval Y. Graham. From Pres. Blairsville,
Oct. 3, 1865; P. Rehoboth, Oct. 11 — Sept. 25, '71, and dis. to
Pres. Philadelphia Central same time; D. D.
202 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 195. Eben. B. Caldwell. Sewickley, cand., Oct: 4,
1865; He. Jan. 22, '68; to Pres. Wooster, April 27, '69; deceased.
No. 196. Rev. W. W. Ralston. From Pres. Baltimore,
April 24, 1867; inst. P. Uniontown, April 28, '6"] — Oct. i, '72;
dis. to Pres. Dayton, Oct. 2, '72; D. D.
No. 197. Rev. A. B. Fields. From Pres. Westmoreland
U. P., Oct. I, 1867; P. Connellsville, Feb. ii, '68 — June i, '69;
dis. Oct. 5, '69, to Pres. Findley; rec'd from Pres. Clarion, April
19, '81 ; S. S. Brownsville, June, '81, for two years; dis. to Pres.
Pueblo, June, '83; deceased.
No. 198. Rev. J. K. Andrews. From Pres. Steubenville,
Oct. 16, 1868; P. Sewickley, Dec. 8, '68— April 26, '71, and dis.
to Pres. Shenango same time.
No. 199. Jos. Rogers Wilson. Dunlap's Creek, cand.,
Oct. 16, 1868; lie. April 28, '69; to Pres. Bloomington, Oct. 4,
'70; D. D.
No. 200. H. Oliphant Gibbons. Ch. of Canonsburg,
cand., April 27, 1869; lie. April 28, '75 ; dis. Pres. Baltimore, Oct.
3. '76.
No. 201. Rev. E. P. Lewis. From Pres. Highland, April
27, '69; S. S. Brownsville; dis. to Washington Pres., April 24, '73.
No. 202. Rev. G. M. Hair. From Pres. Baltimore, Oct. 6,
1869; P. McKeesport, Nov. 9, '69 — Aug. 20, '72; P. Rehoboth,
Dec. 20, '72 — June i, '74; dis. '74; deceased.
No. 203. Rev. James Power Fulton. From Pres. Beaver,
Nov. 2, 1869, and inst. P. Dunlap's Creek and McClellandtown;
res. Oct. 2, '78 ; dis. to Pres. Larned, Kansas, April 22, '79.
No. 204. Rev. George Scott. From Pres. Steubenville,
April 27, 1870; S. S. Little Redstone; dis. to Pres. Allegheny,
June 27, '71.
No. 205. Rev. Henry Fulton. From Pres. Zanesville,
April 27, 1870; P. West Newton, June 12, '70 — June 4, '74; dis.
to Pres. Blairsville, Oct. 21, '76.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 203
No. 206. John McMillan, D. D. From Ref. Pres. of
Pittsburg, June 16, 1870, and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant and Pleasant
Unity; res. Pleasant Unity, April 25, '71 ; whole time to Mt. P.,
town and country; res. Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 8, '73; whole time to
Mt. Pleasant Reunion; res. Dec. 24, '78; dis. to Pres. Philadel-
phia, Jan. 28, '79.
No. 207. Robert H. Fulton. Brownsville Ch., cand.,
Oct. 4, 1870; lie. April 26, '71 ; to Pres. Baltimore, April 24, '72 ;
D D.
No. 208. Rev. Asahel Bronson, D. D. From Pres. Troy,
April 25, 1871 ; S. S. for Jefferson, '7-; S. S. Mt. Vernon, till '80;
preached one or two years in W. Va. ; H. R., April '19, '81 ; died,
Dec. 2S, '82.
No. 209. Rev. Thomas S. Parke. From Pres. Allegheny,
April 26, 1871 ; inst. P. Tyrone and Harmony, June 27, '71 ; res.
H., April 23, '73 ; res. Tyrone, April 29, '75 ; S. S. Dawson, Sept.
19, '76; to Pres. Steubenville, April 24, 'yy.
No. 210. John S. Plumer. McKeesport Ch., Cand., April
26, 1 871; delayed by ill health ; dis. Pres. Allegheny, April 25,
'82.
No. 211. Rev. John Turbitt. From Oswego Cong.
Asso., June 27, 1871 ; supplied in Pres. two or three years; went
west ; wrote he could not preach for ill health ; name stricken
from roll as accepted minister, June 26, 'yj.
No. 212. J. D. Caldwell. Round Hill Ch., cand., June
27, 187 1 ; lie. April 23, '73 ; dis. '74.
No. 213. Rev. Wm. Edgar. From Pres. Blairsville, about
1870; S. S. Somerset and Jenner, till June, '72 ; outside bounds
of Pres. for some time; dis. to Pres. Pittsburg, Oct. 4, ''j6\ de-
ceased.
No. 214. Rev. Augustus Cone. From Pres. Highland,
Oct. 17, 1871 ; P. Pleasant Unity, spring of 'yi; res. June 17, '73 ;
dis. Dec. 6, '74-
204 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 215. Rev. Wm. F. Kean. From Pres. Allegheny.
April 23, 1872; declined call to Sewickley ; S. S. about 6 mos. ;
dis. to Pres. Blairsville, Dec. 31, '72; deceased.
No. 216. R. R. Gailey, Licentiate from Pres. Wooster,
April 24, 1872; ord. and inst. P. Little Redstone and Fayette
City, June 11, '72; res. Fayette, June 15, '75; ^^^- Little Red-
stone, June II, '79; inst. P. Laurel Hill, Sept. 12, '79; res.
March 13, '82; dis. Pres. Steubenville, April 24, '82.
No. 217. Wm. N. Sloan. Cand. from Pres. Wooster,
April 24, 1872; lie. April 24, '72; dis. to Pres. Pittsburg, April
22, '73.
No. 218. Rev. John B. Dickey. From Pres. Steubenville,
June II. 1872 ; inst. P. Round Hill, June 25; res. April 25, 'yj;
dis. to Pres. West Virginia, April 23, '78.
No. 219. Rev. George K. Scott. From Pres. Blairsville,
Oct. 21, '72; called to Sewickley, April 22, 'y^, ; not installed; S.
S. till about Dec. '73; dis. May 12, '74.
No. 220. Rev. James W. Wightman. From Pres. Pitts-
burg, Dec. 31, 1872, and inst. P. McKeesport; res. Aug. 14, 'yy,
and dis. to Pres. Louisville ; D. D.
No. 221. Wm. S. Fulton. Dunlap's Creek Ch., cand.,
April 22, 1873; lie. April 29, '74; dis. to Pres. Erie, April 27, '75.
No. 222. Rev. John W. Martin, D. D. From Pres. Steu-
benville, April 23, 1873 ; S. Supply Tent and Fairchance, Oct., '73 >
dis. to Pres. Steubenville, March. 'y$ ; deceased.
No. 223. Rev. Samuel S. Gilson. From Pres. Louisville,
April 28, 1874; inst. P. Uniontown, May 2, '74 I 'G-'^- J'-"^e 10, '79;
dis. to Pres. Steubenville, Oct. 16, '80.
No. 224. Rev. J. W. Little. Rec'd Pres. Pittsburg, April
28, 1874; inst. P. Long Run, May 1 1, '74; I'es. May i, '75 ; dis. to
Pres. Allegheny, Oct. 29, '75.
No. 225. Wm. F. Ewing. Licentiate rec'd, from Pres. Kit-
tanning, April 29, 1874; ord. and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant, June 4,
'74; res. June 12, '83 ; died, Dec. 15, '83.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 205
No. 226. Wm. W. McLane. Licentiate rec'd, from Pres.
Kittanning, April 29, 1874; ord. and inst. P. Brownsville, May
13, '74; res. June 25, '78; dis. June 26, to Pres. of Steubenville.
No. 227. David B. Rogers. Licentiate rec'd, from Pres.
Steubenville, April 29, 1874; ord. and inst. P. Greensboro, May
12, '74; res. Dec. 29, '74; S. S., Tent and Fairchance and P., May
18, '75, till Nov. 14, '76, and dis. to Pres. Washington, same time;
rec'd from Pres. Steubenville, April, '84; P. Dunbar, '84 — July 9,
'86; dis. to Pres. Lehigh, same time.
No. 228. A. Fulton Boyd. Licentiate rec'd, from Pres.
Butler, April 29, 1874; ord. and inst. P. Pleasant Unity, June 26,
'74 ; res. April 25, 'yy ; inst. P. Rehoboth, Aug. 30, 'yy; res. Dec.
II, '83 ; dis. to Pres. Mahoning, same date.
No. 229. Rev. Abram B. Lowes. Rec'd Pres. Cincinnati,
Oct. 6, 1874; inst. P. Bellevernon, Oct. 28, '74; res, Oct. 3, '82;
dis. Pres. Pittsburg, Oct., '83.
No. 230. Jacob Ruble. Of Spring Hill Furnace Ch.,
cand. rec'd, Oct. 7. 1874; lie. April 24, '78 ; ord. as Ev., June 11,
'70; S. S. one year at Sewickley ; inst. P., May 18, '80; su.spended,
Oct. 18, '81 ; restored, Sept., '88.
No. 231. Rev. Marcus Wish art. Rec'd from Pres. Pitts-
burg, Oct. 17, 1874; inst. P. Rehoboth, Oct. 28, '74; res. April
25, 'yy; dis. to Pres. Erie, Oct. 2, 'yy.
No. 232. Rev. John C. Meloy. Rec'd from Pres. Steu-
benville, Dec. 29, 1874; inst. P. West Newton, Dec. 29, '74.
No. 233. Rev. Robert T. Price. Rec'd from Pres. Alle-
gheny, April 27, 1875 ; inst. P. Dunbar, May 27, '75 ; res. May
15, '83; to Pres. Wooster, May, '83.
No. 234. Rev. John W. Scott, D. D. Rec'd from Pres.
Dayton, April 27, 1875 ; S. S. at Jefferson till Oct. 19, '81 ; H. R.
No. 235. Wm. L. Ledwith. Brownsville Ch., cand. rec'd,
April 29. 1875; lie. April 26, 'y6; dis. to Pres. Westminster, April
25. '77-
No. 236. Alex. C. Wilson, McClellandtown Ch., cand.
206 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
rec'd, Oct. 6, 1875; lie. April 26, '76; dis. to Pres. Ottawa, April
23, '78.
No. 237. Rev. Wm. P. Moore. Rec'd, April 25, 1876,
from Pres. Allegheny ; inst. P. Long Run, June 13, '76; res. Jan.
2, '83 ; dis. to Pres. Wooster same day.
No. 238. Charles B. Wakefield. Bellevernon Ch., cand.
rec'd, April 26, 1876; lie. April 24, '78; S. S. Somerset, Jenner
and Mt, Washington; ord. and inst. P., June 7, '80; res. Oct. 6,
'80; inst. P. Fairchanee and Springhill Furnace, June 22, '81;
res. Nov. 15, '81 ; dis. to Pres. Erie, same day.
No. 239. WiNFiELD C. Scott. Dunlap's Creek Ch., cand.
rec'd, Oct. 21, 1876; lie. April 24, '78; dis. to Pres. Solomon,
Kansas, April 22, '79.
No. 240. George L. Deffenbaugh. George's Creek, cand.
rec'd, Oct. 21, 1816; lie. June 27, '"jy; ord. as Ev., Oct 2, '78;
Miss'y to Nez Perces Indians ; dis. to Pres. of Oregon same day.
No. 241. Rev. S. S. Bergen. From Pres. Austin, Texas,
Oct. 21, 1876; S. S. Somerset, Jenner and Mt. Washington; inst.
P. Tent and Fairchanee, Aug. 4, '78 ; inst. P. McClellandtown y^
of time, July 19, '79; res. Fairchanee, June 8, '80; res. Tent and
McClellandtown, April i, '82; inst. P. Laurel Hill, Aug. 5, '82;
res. April 18, '88 ; dis. to Pres. Huntingdon, May, '88.
No. 242. Rev. Samuel McBkide. Rec'd Pres. of Newark,
Oct. 19, 1877; inst. P. McKeesport, ist, Nov. 13, ''j'j\ res. Nov.
II, '79; suspended, June 14, '81 ; name stricken from the roll,
Oct. 19, '82.
No. 243. Rev. Wm. G. Nevin. Rec'd Pres. of Mononga-
hela U. P., Nov, 13, 1877; P. Sewickley, Dec. 3, 'yy, till Dec. 24,
'78 ; P. Dunlap's Creek, between Jan. i and April 22, '79, till
April 24, '83; P. Brownsville, May 8, '83, till Sept. 24, '84; P.
Rehoboth 4th Tuesday Oct , '84, till Jan. 24, '%'] ; dis. to Shenan-
go Pres. same day.
No. 244. Rev. Robert White. Rec'd from Pres. North-
umberland, April 23, 1878; S. S. Pleasant Unity till Oct. 6, '80;
called but not installed; dis. to Pres. Steubenville, Dec. 14, '80.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 20/
No. 245. George D. Buchanan. Cand. rec'd, from Pres.
of Marion, April 22. 1879; called to Round Hill ; S. S. for some
months ; dis. to Pres. of Baltimore, Oct. 8, '79.
No. 246. Rev. A. S. Milholland. Rec'd from Pres.
Wooster, April 22, '79; S. S. Brownsville, called but not install-
ed; inst. P. Uniontown, Jime 15, '80; D. D.
No. 247. John I. Blackburn. Rehoboth, cand., Oct. 2,
1878; lie. April 28, '80; dis. to Pres. Blairsville, April 19, '81.
No. 248. Harry O. .Scott. Mt. Pleasant Reunion Ch.,
cand. rec'd, June ii, 1879; lie. same day; dis. to Pres. Nebraska
City, Oct. 5. '80.
No. 249. Rev. James D. Shanks. Rec'd from Pres. Steu-
benville, Jan. 20, 1880, and inst. P. Round Hill same day; res.
Dec. 1 1, '83 ; dis. same time to Pres. Philadelphia Central.
No. 250. Rev. Charles C. B. Duncan. Rec'd from Pres.
West Virginia, April 27, 1880; inst. P. Little Redstone, May 20,
'80; res. June i, '82; S. S. Somerset and Jenner till Sept. 23, '85,
and Mt. Washington, April, '85 ; dis to Pres. Peoria, Sept. 23, '85.
No. 251. Rev. S. L. Finney. Rec'd from Pres. WestChes-
ter, April 28, 1880; inst. P. Mt. Pleasant Reunion, May 13, '80;
res. Nov. i, '82 ; dis. to Pres. W. Virginia, Oct. 'S^,; deceased.
No. 252. Rev. George N. Johnston. Rec'd from Pres,
Steubenville, Oct. 5, 1880; inst. P. McKeesport. Dec. 21, '80 ; res.
April 22, '84, and dis. to Pres. Pittsburg same date.
No. 253. Charles P. Cheeseman. Plaingrove Ch., cand.
rec'd, April 19, 1881 ; lie. June 19, '81 ; ord. and inst. P. Long
Run, June 25, '83 ; S. S. Mt. Vernon, April, '85.
No. 254. Archibald B. Herries. McKeesport Ch., cand.
rec'd, June 14, 1881 ; lie. April 25, '83 ; ord. and inst. P. Leisen-
ring, April 22, '84, till Aug. 17, '85 ; dis. to Pres. Bloomington,
Sept., '85.
No. 255. Wm. Rhodes Ruble. Springhill Furnace Ch.,
cand. rec'd, June 14, 1881 ; withdrew by advice a year or two af-
terwards.
208 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
No. 256. F. M. Collier. McKeesport Ch., cand. rec'd,
Sept. 21, 1 88 1 ; lie. April 28, '86 ; dis to Pres. of Gunnison, Sept.
27, '^7.
No. 257. Rev. J. T. Crumrine. Rec'd from Cong'l Asso-
ciation of Worcester, Mass., June, 1882; P. Little Redstone and
Fayette City, June 26, '83 — Sept. 23, '85 ; dis. to Pres. Wellsbor-
ough same day.
No. 258. Rev. A. Z. McGogney. Rec'd from Pres. Blairs-
ville, Oct. 3, 1882; P. Connellsville, Oct. 25, '82— Sept. 28, '86;
dis. to Pres. Peoria same time.
No. 259. Rev. M. C. Bailey. Rec'd from Pres. Carlisle,
Oct. 3, '82; P. Tent, Fairchance and McClellandtown, Oct., '83;
Ph. D.
No. 260. Rev. Perrin Baker. Rec'd from Pres. Kittan-
ning, April, 1883 ; P. Bellevernon, April 24, '83.
No. 261. Rev. H. H. McMaster. Rec'd from Pres. Alle-
gheny, June, 1883; P. Dunlap's Creek, June, '83 — Sept. 25, '88,
and dis. to Pres. Ft. Dodge same time.
No. 262. Rev. John D. Owens. Rec'd from Pres. Hun-
tingdon, Oct. 1883 ; P. Sewickley, Oct. ii, '83 — April 28, '85 ; dis.
to Pres. Steubenville, Jan., '86.
No. 263. Rev. John M. Jenkins. Rec'd from Pres. Woos-
ter; Oct., 1883; P. Mt. Pleasant Reunion, Oct. 16, '83 — April 13,
'85 ; dis. to Pres. Melbourne, Australia, same time.
No. 264. Rev. E. S. Robinson. Rec'd from Pres. Blairs-
ville, April, 1884; P. Scottdale, May 8, '84— Jan. 25, '86; dis. to
Pres. Portsmouth same day.
No. 265. Rev. M. H. Bradley. Rec'd from Pres. Pitts-
burg, Sept., 1884; P. Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 7, '84— April 28, '86;
dis. to Pres. Lima, Sept., '86.
No. 266. Rev. J. J. McCarrell, Rec'd from Pres. St.
Clairsville, Sept., 1884; inst. P. McKeesport, fall of '84.
No. 267. Rev. N. G. White. Rec'd from Pres. Hunting-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 20g
don, April, 1885 ; supply at Dawson, Tyrone and Wheeler Mis-
sion, Connellsville; H. R.
No. 268. Rev. Brainerd T. DeWitt. Rec'd from Pres.
Erie, April, 1885 ; P. Round Hill, May 27, '85.
No. 269. Rev. S. E. Elliott. Rec'd from Pres. Southern
Dakota. April, 1886; P. Mt. Pleasant Reunion, May 10, '86.
No. 270. Alex. S. Hunter. Licentiate, from Pres. Wash-
ington, April 28, 1886.
No. 271. H. C. Morledge. Licentiate, from Pres. Steu-
benville; rec'd, April 27, 1886; ord. and inst. P. Leisenring, June
17, '86.
No. 272. George P. Donehoo. Licentiate Pres. Pittsburg,
rec'd, Sept. 28, 1886; ord. and inst. P. Mt. Pleasant, Oct. 8, '86.
No. 273. Rev. Boyd M. Kerr. Rec'd from Pres. Woos-
ter, April, 1887; S. S. Brownsville i year; inst. P. May 2, '8S.
No. 274. Robert F. Smith. Licentiate from Pres. She-
nango ; rec'd and ord.. May 26, 1887; inst. P. Pleasant Unity,
June 1 1, '87.
No. 275. A. W. Emmons. Lie. April 27, 1887; ord. and
inst. P. Sewickley, May 26, 'Sy.
No. 276. Rev. W. A. Edie. Rec'd from Pres. Beaver Val-
ley, U. P., and inst. P. Connellsville, May 19, 1887.
No. 277. Rev. Z. B. Taylor. Rec'd from Pres. Clarion,
May, 1887; P. Scottdale, July 13, 'Sy.
No. 278. Rev. S. F. Farmer, D. D. Rec'd from Pres.
Highland and inst. P. Rehoboth, June 30, 1887.
No. 279. Rev. Wm. G. Stewart. Rec'd from Pres, Alle-
gheny, Sept., 1887; P. Dunbar, Oct. 18, '87.
No, 280. Rev. C. J. Forsythe. Rec'd from Pres. Balti-
more, April, 1888; P. Greensboro and Jefferson, May 23, '88,
No, 281, Rev. Joseph L. Hunter. Licentiate rec'd, from
Pres. Shenango ; ord. and inst. P. Tyrone and Dawson, May 8,
1888.
210
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
PRESENT MINISTERS AND CHURCHES.
MINISTERS AND LICENTIATES
John W. Scott, D. D., H. R.
N. Grier White, H. R.
John McCh'ntock, P.
S. F. Farmer, D. D., P.
H. O. Rosborough, P.
John M. Barnett, Fin. Sec.
Boyd M. Kerr, P.
A. S. Milholland, D. D., P.
John C. Meloy, P.
Brainerd T. DeWitt, P.
Wm. G. Stewart, P.
Joseph J. McCarrell, P.
Perrin Baker, P.
Wm. A. Edie, P.
Samuel E. ElHott, P.
M. C. Bailey, Ph. D.. P.
ADDRESS.
Washington, D. C
New Haven, Pa.
Carmichaels, Pa.
Bellevernon, Pa.
Smithfield, Pa.
Washington, Pa.
Brownsville, Pa.
Uniontown, Pa.
West Newton, Pa.
Elizabeth, Pa.
Dunbar, Pa.
McKeesport, Pa.
Bellevernon, Pa.
Connellsville, Pa.
Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
Fairchance, Pa.
CHURCHES.
Chas. P. Cheeseman. P. Circleville, Pa.
Z. B. Taylor, P.
C. J. Forsythe, P.
H. C. Morledge, P.
G. P. Donehoo, P.
Robert F. Smith, P.
A. W. Emmons, P.
Joseph L. Hunter, P.
Jacob Ruble.
J. B. Reed, Pres.W.Va., P. E.
New Providence, P.
Rehoboth, P.
George's Creek, P.
Brownsville, P.
Uniontown, P.
West Newton, P.
Round Hill, P.
Dunbar, P.
McKeesport, P.
Bellevernon, P.
Connellsville, P.
Mt. P. Reunion P.
Fairchance, P.
Tent, P.
McClellandtown, P.
Long Run, P.
Mt. Vernon, P.
Scottdale, P.
Greensboro, P.
Jefferson, P.
Leisenring, P.
Mt. Pleasant, P.
Pleasant Unity, P.
Sewickley, P.
Tyrone, P.
Dawson, P.
Wymp's Gap, Pa.
Laurel Hill, Pa. Laurel Hill, P. E.
Scottdale, Pa.
Greensboro, Pa.
Leisenring, Pa.
Mt. Pleasant, Pa.
Pleas'nt Unity, Pa.
West Newton, Pa.
Dawson, Pa.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 211
F. M. Collier, licensed, April 28, 1886; dismissed to the
Presbytery of Gunnison, Sept. 27, 1887.
Alex. S. Hunter, licentiate (in tr.)
Vacant : Dunlap'fi Creek, Spring Hill Furnace, Somerset,
Mt. Washington, Jenner, and Fayette City.
CANDIDATES.
H. H. Ryland, Spring Hill Furnace, Sept. 22, 1884.
C. L. V. McKee, Laurel Hill, April, 1885.
J. P. Blackburn, Rehoboth, April 28, 1886.
R. A. Herwick, Rehoboth, April 28, 1886.
Jacob Humbert, Tent, June 17, 1886.
J. B. Wallace, Mt. Pleasant, Sept. 29, 1886.
SKETCHES.
An earnest effort was made to secure likenesses of the early
fathers of the Presbytery and also members of more recent date.
This effort has only been partially successful. Of some there
were no likenesses in existence The original of Dr. Fairchild
was an old time daguerreotype, excellent at first and a precious
heirloom, but injured so as to prevent its being successfully
copied. Judge Ewing's phototype does not do him justice. It
was photographed from an oil painting and then phototyped.
The phototypes of Dr. Campbell and Joseph Paull will be
readily recognized by all who knew them. Of the excellence of
the steel engravings of Rev. Joel Stoneroad, Rev. George Paull,
Redstone's representative on Africa's soil and Hon. Jasper M.
Thompson, we need not speak.
212 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
The brief sketches already given of Dr. Fairchild in the
histories of George's Creek and the Tent, renders but httle addi-
tional notice necessary.
Rev. H. O. Rosborough, the successor of Dr. Fairchild at
George's Creek, and a warm personal friend, .says: "Dr. Fair-
child was born at Hanover, N. J., May ist, 1795. He was the
youngest of six children. His father died when he was but
seven years old, and his training devolved on his mother, who
survived until 1824. She was a woman of remarkable gifts and
was greatly distinguished for the strength of her faith and her
unusual activity and usefulness in the Church of Christ. She
presented Ashbel in childhood to the Lord as an offering in the
work of the ministry and his education throughout was con-
ducted with this high and holy end in view. He began his clas-
sical studies in Morristown, N. J., when but thirteen years of age.
He spent one year in Princeton College, graduating in Septem-
ber, 181 3. He .studied Theology in Princeton Seminary and
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Jersey, April, 1816."
The following is a part of the action of the Presbytery of
Redstone in regard to Dr. Fairchild:
Resolved, ist, "That this Presbytery devoutly acknowledge
the hand of God in the removal from us and from his endeared
family and the field of his abundant labors and eminent useful-
ness, our beloved and venerated father, the Rev. Ashbel Green
Fairchild, who departed this life on the 30th of June, 1864, in
the seventieth year of his age and the forty-ninth of his public
labors in the Gospel.
Resolved, 2d, "That we regard the life and death of Dr.
Fairchild, so fruitful through grace, in righteousness and peace,
as bringing great glory to God and abounding good fruits to the
Church of Christ. We would especially note his writings pub-
lished by our Board, as 'The Great Supper,' 'Scripture Baptism,'
'Unpopular Doctrines' and 'What Presbyterians Believe,' which
discuss and defend the doctrines involved, with such ability and
popular effect. 'The Great Supper' has been translated and pub-
lished in the German language and has proved to be one of the
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 213
most popular works published by the Board, and is universally re-
garded as one of the very best definers of our peculiar doctrines
extant.
Resolved, 3d, "That * * * * such were his gifts of
understanding and memory ; his general information and discrim-
inating taste ; his knowledge of the Scriptures in the original
tongues and in our common version, and such his spiritual in-
sight of divine things and deep religious experience and fervency
of spirit, that his pulpit exercises were of the most pleasing and
edifiying character.'"
The Presbytery also speaks of his high social character, and
dignified, yet genial disposition, and kindly manner and attrac-
tive and instructive conversation.
REV. JOEL STONEROAD.
In addition to the sketch given in the supplement to the
History of Laurel Hill Church, we give an extract from the ad-
mirable memorial prepared by Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton, D. D.,
who for a number of years was a fellow Presbyter and a neighbor
of Mr. Stoneroad's:
"Of the many exemplary traits which adorned the character
of Mr. Stoneroad as a Christian man and as a minister of the
Gospel, little need be said. He was very generally known
throughout this region, and none who knew him had any diffi-
culty in determining his real character. There was no conceal-
ment, no mystery enveloping him. It was felt by all that he was
just what he seemed to be, and that his character was that of an
honest, faithful, devoted servant of God in the ministry of his
Son Jesus Christ. If those most intimately acquainted with him
were a.sked to point out his distinguishing traits, they would
probably agree in mentioning two as more conspicuous than any
others. One of these was his thorough conviction and steadfast
maintenance of the infallible truth of all Scriptural teachings, and
consequently the truth of some doctrines which many refuse to
214 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
accept. In the depths of his heart he was sincerely and unwa-
veringly orthodox. He honestly believed God's word, not as
doubtingly and compromisingly interpreted, but as clearly and
definitely formulated in the accepted creeds of the Church in
which it was his privilege to exercise his ministry. And this
gave character to his preaching. What he believed, he spake.
No truth was kept back because of men's enmity to it. Nothing
was suppressed because unpopular. Nothing was passed over
because difficult. Nothing was rejected because it confounded
human reason. He declared God's whole counsel, and did it
honestly, ingenuously. No one could say that there was any un-
certainty in the sound of the Gospel trumpet as blown by him.
The other most noticeable trait distinguishing him was his abun-
dant zeal in the ministry which he had received of the Lord Je-
sus, prompting him to such labors and hardships and self-deni-
als as fall within the experience of but a limited number of
Christ's ministers."
When the relation between Mr. Stoneroad and the Church
of Laurel Hill was dissolved, April 24th, 1878, on account of his
failing health, Presbytery
Resolved, ist, "That we recognize in our co-Presbyter a
brother beloved, who, for forty-eight years, has shown himself to
be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, and a watchman
upon the walls of Zion, whose laborious, earnest and faithful ser-
vices, the Head of the church has largely blessed in the conver-
sion of souls, and in comforting and establishing believers in the
faith once delivered to the saints.
Resolved, 2d, "That our relations and intercourse with
Brother Stoneroad have been such as greatly to endear him to
us and furnish occasion to us to hold him in affectionate and de-
served remembrance.
Resolved, 3d, "That we deeply sympathize with him in his
feebleness and impaired health, and do earnestly pray that in
honorably retiring from a laborious and successful ministry, the
remnant of his days may be crowned with domestic and social
joys and with the sweet consolations of that Gospel of Peace
which he has proclaimed to others and above all with the com-
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 21 5
forting presence of Him who has said: 'Lo I am with you al-
way, even unto the end of the world.' "
Mr. Stoneroad tarried a few years longer patiently waiting
for the salvation of God, until at length, having survived nearly
all the associates of his early ministry, he entered into rest on
the iith of August, 1884, in his 79th year.
' "Servant of God, well done!
Rest from thy loved employ ;
The battle o'er, the vic'try won,
Enter thy Master's joy."
REV. GEORGE PAULL.
George Paull was the third son of Joseph and Eliza Lea
(Rogers) Paull and was born near Dunbar, Fayette county. Pa.,
February 3d; 1837. Like so many of Pennsylvania's noblest
men his early life was spent on his father's farm. His early
training was in the home, the common and the Sabbath School.
He began his classical studies with Rev. Ross Stevenson, D. D.,
pastor of Connellsville Presbyterian Church and continued them
in Dunlap's Creek Presbyterial Academy, and afterward
with Prof John Frazer, who became Professor of Math-
ematics in Jefferson College and a General in the Union army.
He entered Jefferson College at Canonsburg and graduated with
high credit in 1858, in the twenty-first year of his age. In the
spring of 1853, during a revival in College, he decided for Christ
and made a public profession of religion in the Church at Con-
nellsville. He spent three years at the Western Theological
Seminary and was ordained and devoted his life to mission work
in Africa. A very interesting memoir was written by his uncle,
Rev. Samuel Wilson, D. D., and published by the Presbyterian
Board, to which the reader is referred for information in regard
to his interesting, consecrated and useful, though brief life. The
action of Presbytery on his death is added to this notice. This
2l6 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
action was reported by a Committee and adopted, October 19th,
1865.
"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His inscruta-
ble providence to remove by death from the field of Foreign
Missions a young brother greatly beloved, and who had shown
himself so eminently fitted by nature and grace for the great
work to which God and the church had called him; and whereas,
he was born and reared among us and by this Presbytery set
apart to the work of the ministry in a foreign missionary field;
and whereas, his self-consuming, untiring devotion to the Mas-
ter's cause not only reflected great honor upon the Gospel of
God, but also on this body by whom he was given to the foreign
service of the church ; therefore
"Resolved, ist. That while as a Presbytery we record with
gratitude to God the gift of one to the church so specially quali-
fied for the great work to which he had conscrated his life, we
would at the same time bow with profound submission to the
mysterious behest which summoned him so soon and so sudden-
ly from the service and labors of the church militarrt to the high-
er and holier service of the church triumphant.
"Resolved, 2d, That in the life and labors of our departed
brother, we recognize a spirit akin to that of a Brainerd, an Elli-
ott, a Schwartz — akin to the spirit of Him who said : 'The zeal
of thine house hath eaten me up' — a zeal for the salvation of
bleeding Africa, which prematurely and almost literally con-
sumed the vessel in which it burned — a love for the souls of men
and the glory of God, which many waters could not quench —
which quailed at no sacrifice however great, and could say with
the great Apostolic Missionary to the Gentiles, 'neither count I
my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with
joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus,
to testify the Gospel of the grace of God.'
"Resolved, 3d, That while Presbytery would bewail the
loss to benighted Africa of so burning and shining alight, whose
inchoate and earliest labors on the mainland were signalized with
remarkable and immediate success in the conversion of souls, we
would also record our unfeigned condolence and sympathy with
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 21/
the honored parents and other friends in the early demise of such
a relation and son, divinely assured that however great their loss
to him it was unutterable gain." Minutes Redstone Presbytery,
October 19th, 1865.
DR. CAMPBELL AND JUDGE EWING.
It is proper to add some additional items in regard to Dr.
Campbell and Judge Ewing. In the history of Uniontown
Church, prepared by Rev. S. S. Gilson, there is this record :
"October the 9th, 1825, is a date long to be remembered by this
congregation. It was then that the two young men, Dr. Hugh
Campbell and Nathaniel Ewing. Esq., came for the first time to
the Lord's Table. Together they followed Christ with reverence
and Godly fear for almost half a century. These men were prop-
erly regarded as the pillars of the church in their day, and it is
hardly possible now to unduly exalt their influence as Christian
citizens. They were also exceedingly useful in the higher courts
of the Church to which they were so frequently delegates. In-
deed, it came to be said in Presbytery in regard to the Commis-
sioners to the General Assembly, 'it was Dr. Campbell one year
and Judge Ewing the next.' Dr. Campbell was a member of the
famous General As.sembly which met in Pittsburg in 1838, at the
time of the disruption. A man of far more than ordinary abili-
ty, he made his influence felt in that body. During the discus-
sion he arose and made a remark or two which attracted atten-
tion. Some Doctor of Divinity made a remark which combed
him a little, and wanted to know who is 'this young David?'
"The doctor arose and said : 'I am a very humble el-
der from a very humble Church and a very humble Presbytery,
but I thank God I have the same rights on this floor as the most
learned Doctor of Divinity or the greatest lawyer here.' He
then proceeded to score his unfortunate antagonist in a speech of
wonderful keenness, which electrified the Assembly. He was an
excellent and impressive speaker and his addresses on the sub-
ject of Temperance were very eloquent.' "
2l8 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
The following tribute was prepared by his life-long friend,
Nathaniel Ewing, and offered and adopted in session : "For
more than thirty-five years Dr. Campbell has exercised continu-
ously the office of Ruling Elder in this church with uniform ac-
ceptance and eminent ability and faithfulness. During this long
period his exemplary walk, the abundance of his benefactions,
exertions and prayers, and his diligent and scrupulous discharge
of official duty, contributed largely to the maintenance, growth
and establishment of the church. By the eminence of his gifts,
also, he was enabled to perform effective service for the general
interests of the Master's cause by sitting, on frequent occasions,
as a member in each of the the Superior Judicatories."
These words apply also with equal force to Judge Ewing as
descriptive of his life and service. For almost forty-one years
he was a member of the Session of Uniontown Ch.irch and very
often a member of some of the higher courts. The compiler of
this well remembers to hear his father speak of a General Assem-
bly of which Judge Ewing was a member. Some knotty ques-
tion was before the body. Difficulties increased and no one
seemed to know what to do, when Judge Ewing got up and in a
few minutes cleared away the difficulties, so that the Assembly
finished the business readily and properly. He acquired great
influence in the Assembly and perhaps the most important ser-
vice of this kind ever rendered was a report which he made on
the decision of Judge Rodgers, of the Nisi Prius Court at Phila-
delphia, against the Presbyterian Church. This report is record-
ed in full in the Minute Book of the Presbytery, covering six
pages.
Judge Ewing acquired large wealth and gave liberally to the
Lord without letting his right hand know what the left did. He
chiefly gave his benefactions while he lived and was personally
attentive to the wants of the poor of this community who were
brought to his notice.
He was President Judge of the County Court and a Ruling
Elder in the church, and his son, Hon. John K. Ewing, was also
President Judge and is a Ruling Elder in the same church. His
grandson, Nathaniel Ewing, is keeping up the succession, being
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 2I9
President Judt^e in the county and a Ruling Elder in the church
of his grandfather and his father.
JOSEPH PAULL.
Among all those who have served in the eldership of Red-
stone Presbytery, no man was more respected and beloved than
Joseph Paull. He descended from an honored ancestry. The
first records in the Paull family date back to 1765, eleven years
before the Declaration of Independence, and speak of George
Paull as a resident of Berkeley county, Va., who, with his wife,
Martha Irwin, four years later, in 1769, removed to Fayette coun-
ty, Pa., locating a tract of land, which has been transmitted from
father to son for four generations, and is still in possession of the
family. His son was Col. James Paull, Sr;, who was married to
Miss Elizabeth Rogers, and was a distinguished citizen of Fay-
ette county up to his death, which occurred in 1841. Joseph
Paull, the son of James and Elizabeth, was born in the old home-
stead, in November, 1808, and, with the exception of two or
three years, spent all his life in the place of his birth. He Avas
married, June 4th, 1833, to Miss Eliza Lea Rogers, by whom he
became the father of ten children, some of whom have attained
to prominent positions in the world; his second son, Aaron,
killed in the battle of Shiloh, was a rising young lawyer in the
State of Texas ; his third son, George, went as a missionary to
Africa, and died two years after his arrival, and his remains lie
buried on the Island of Corisco; his daughter, Mary Elizabeth,
is the wife of Rev. N. H. G. Fife, of Sterling, 111., one of the
most successful pastors in the State of Illinois; his son, Joseph
Rogers, is an Attorney-at-Law and Judge of the Circuit Court
in the city of Wheeling, Va., and his son James L., is a Ruling
Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Connellsville, Pa.
Mr. Paull dated the beginning of his religious life from a Metho-
dist camp-meeting, where he was converted at the age of twenty-
one years. Soon after, he united with the Presbyterian Church
of Tvrone and afterwards with Laurel Hill. He was elected a
220 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Connellsville and
became a member of that church in 1832, and continued to ex-
ercise the office to which he was called until 1874. In the last
named year the Presbyterian Church of Dunbar was constituted
by the Presbytery of Redstone on the petition of the members
of Connellsville Church in that place and vicinity and Mr. Paull
was transferred as an elder to the new organization and served
with great efficiency up to the time of his death, February 14th,
1880. He was a man of rare intelligence, wise in counsel, care-
ful in the exercise of his official duties, and most exemplary as a
Christian. He was of the most Christ-like spirit, never failing
to impress any and all with whom he was brought in contact,
with the fact not only that there is a reality in the religion of
Jesus, but also that there is in it a beauty and power. The tones
of his voice, the benevolence of his countenance and the mani-
fest spirit of deep piety running through all his conversation,
gave an impression to those who were about him that they had
been in a most sacred companionship. His death was the result
of a complication of painful diseases, but through all his illness
his faith never for a moment wavered. The final scene resem-
bled the death of one of the old patriarchs; a weeping family, tri-
umphant faith in Christ, calm and peaceful resignation and de-
vout prayer from the lips of the dying father in Israel. He
more than once represented his church in Synod and was also a
member of the General Assembly. In the memorial year (though
his miss onary son was sleeping in the soil of the "Dark Conti-
nent") he gave a large thank offering to the Lord for the privilege
of having had a son in the Foreign Mission work. The prayer
of the writer is, that the spirit of Joseph Paull may rest upon the
entire eldership of the Redstone of to-day.
JASPER MARKLE THOMPSON.
Jasper Markle Thompson was born in Mason county, Ken-
tucky, August 30th, 1822, having been left, by the death of his
parents, to the care of relatives. Before he was three years of
Sngfjjy WBTtnU&Sins i: Sa7:-lzt^ Sii i'
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE. 221
a<^e he was taken to Mill Grove, Westmoreland county, Pa., the
home of his grandmother, Mrs. Mary Markle, where he remained
until her death in 1832, after which he made his home for eighteen
years with his cousin, Gen. Cyrus P. Markle.
Mr. Thompson was married in 1846 to Miss Eliza Caruthers,
youngest daughter of Samuel Caruthers, a Ruling Elder in the
Presbyterian Church of Sewickley, Westmoreland county, Pa.,
and came to this place in 1848. He united by examination and
profession of his faith with the Presbyterian Church of Union-
town, January 25th, 185 1. He was ordained and installed a
ruling elder of this church by the Rev. Wm. F. Hamilton, D. D.,
on the 4th of March, i860. He was a commissioner to the Gen-
eral Assembly which met in Albany, N. Y., in 1868, and was
again sent to the Assembly which met at Madison, Wis., in 1880.
He is a director of the Western Theological Seminary and also
a Trustee of Washington and Jefiferson College.
Mr. Thompson has not only been prominent and successful
in business and public life, but also active and efficient as an offi-
cer in the church and Presbytery.
ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS.
On page 35 in the history of Mt. Pleasant Church, after the
resignation of Rev. James I. Brownson, it should be added that
the churches of Greensburg and Mt. Pleasant called the Rev.
Wm. D. Moore, September 15th, 1849, ^^'^^ at that time was pas-
tor at Long Run. Mr. Moore asked counsel of the Presbytery
and acting on its advice accepted the calls and was installed pas-
tor over the united congregations on the first Tuesday of Octo-
ber. In April, 1851, he was called to Greensburg for all his
222 PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
time. Accepting this, his relation with Mt. Pleasant was dis-
solved on the 9th of April.
Rev. Wm. Wylie McLain was installed pastor on the second
Saturday of May, 1852. This relation continued until terminated
by the death of Mr. McLain, November loth. 1855.
Mr. David Henry Barron, a licentiate of the Presbytery of
Allegheny City, was received, April 13th, 1858, and called to
Mt. Pleasant. He was ordained and installed as pastor, May
13th. Mr. Barron was called to Hollidaysburg and Presbytery
severed the relation, August 6th, 1861.
The connection of J. P. Blackburn with the Presbytery (see
page 211) ceased sometime ago.
CORRECTIONS.
Page 64, for "Mr. J. A. Means," read Mr. J. A. Mearns.
Page 115, seventh line from the top, "Thursday" should be
Tuesday.
Page i6i,"Alvira M. Fromier" should be Alvira M. Fernier
and "Mary C. Aler" should be Mary C. Alter.
Page 180, "Mrs. Fulton Price" should be Mrs. R. T. Price.
Page 188, No. 47, for "Thomas Hurst," read Thomas Hunt.
Page 193, No. 99, "1838" should be 1837.
Page 203, No. 211, at the close, for "accepted," read a de-
posed.
Page 217, fourteenth line from the bottom, read Philadelphia
instead of "Pittsburg."
PRESB^'TERV OF REDSTONE. 222 (a)
THE HON. JASPER M. THOMPSON.
Since the foregoin<^ sketch was pubhshed, and while this
book was in the hands of the binder, the community was sadly-
surprised and shocked by the announcement of the death of the
Hon. J. M. Thompson, which occurred on the evening of March
15th, 1889. About six weeks previous, Mr. Thompson had gone
South to look after some business interests, and, during his ab-
sence, had taken a severe cold, which, causing a violent attack of
pneumonia, resulted in his death about five hours after his return.
He evidently felt that the disease would prove fatal and seemed
anxious to hasten back to his family and familiar friends before
he should be finally overtaken b}' the relentless messenger, and,
on entering his home, after being kindly cared for b)' his loved
ones and his physician, expressed himself as ready to depart, if
it were the Lord's will to call him away. He is gone, as we be-
lieve, to the reward of those who trust implicitly in the Redeem-
er and Saviour of men.
Mr. Thompson was a man of most generous impulses, broad,
philanthropic, conservative and kind. Schooled to hard labor him-
self, he knew how to sympathize with those who were honestly
obliged to contend with poverty and battle with the world for a
livelihood; to all such he was ever ready to lend a helping hand.
It would be indeed difficult to find one in any community whose
personal influence has been exerted in so many directions and to
so great a variety of usefulness. Whenever an opportunity was
had — and often he created the opportunit\' — Mr. Thompson was
ready to speak a word for Christ, to direct the erring in the paths
of righteousness, to comfort the sorrowing, to pray with and for
the sick and the d}'ing, and to lead all to Him who is able to
save. He was a plain, unassuming, substantial man ; a well bal-
anced, consistent, affable, Christian gentleman ; universall)' re-
spected, honored and loved ; living, because of his peculiarly
222(b) PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
approachable disposition and sympathetic natural way, near the
hearts and affections of the people. Often prevailed upon and
appointed by Presbytery to preach in our pulpits, he did so ac-
ceptably and with profit to all. He was not only a helper but a
leader in every good work and enterprise, secular and religious.
In his remarkabl)^ industrious, successful and exemplary life, we
have this valuable truth most fully demonstrated, that a man may
be diligent in business, yet fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
At its meeting, March 27th, 1889, the Board of Trustees of
Washington and Jefferson College, took action in regard to the
death of Mr. Thompson, one of its members, March 15th, 1889,
and recorded its high estimate of Mr. Thompson as a successful
business man, eminent for his public spirit and zeal in good works
and Christian manhood and his fidelity and efficiency as a mem-
ber of the Board.
ADDITIONAL CORRECTIONS.
Page 116: 3d line should be, His first wife was a daughter
of Rev. Joseph Smith and sister of Rev. David Smith, &c. And
5th line: She was an aunt of Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D., &c.
Page 129: 13th line from the bottom should read, Until
after 181 5.
In the Index, page 184, after the name of James R. Hughes,
belongs to the name of James Hughes, above.
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
223
INDEX.
Adams, Jas . 73, 87.94,98. 186
Additions and Corrections, 221
Addison, Alexander ... 6
Aid for Students .... 15
A^^nevv.John Holmes, 116, 191
Allen, Bela 192
Allen, Moses 74
Allison, Alexander ... 2
Allison, Hector 2
Allison, Judfje 12
Anderson, Rev. Mr. ... 2
Anderson, S. McC, D. D., 65
Andrews, Jolin 190
Andrews, J. K. . . .31, 202
Andrews, Mrs. R. E. P. .180
Annan, Wm.,D. D., 30, 145, 193
Armstron<^, John . . . 71, 75
Armstrons^, Wm yS
Baber, James .... 74, 193
Bailey, M. C, Ph. D., 97,
103, 138, 141, 154, 208.
156, 210
Bailie, Mrs. Anna . . . .174
Baird, Aaron 26
Baird, Miss Maggie ... 28
Baird, Robert 25, 26
Baker, Perrin, 158, 160, 162,
208, 210
Bain. Pienry 16, 93
Barclay, David .... 16, 189
Barclay, Heniy yS
Barnett, John M., 22, 35, 36,
. . 132, 149, 169. 200, 210
Barnett, Mrs. J. M. . . .175
Barr, Samuel .... 9, 184
Barret, Elisha D., M. D. .191
Barron, U. H., D. D., 149, 199
Beatty, Charles 2
Beatty.C.C, D. D., L.L. D., 22
Belden, Luther 199
BeIl,Wm. G 192
Belle Vernon Church, 160 — 163
Bergen, S. S., 37, 49, 93. 96,
. . 102, 137, 144, 156,206
Bethel Chapel 50
Biggs, Henry W 198
Black, Jas., D. D., L.L. D..
132, 195
Black, John 186
Black, James 195
Blackburn, John L . . . 207
Blackburn, J. P 211
Boggs, John 188
Boughner, Daniel . . . .111
Boughner, A. V. . . . .110
Boyd, Wm. L., 31, 53, 57. 201
Boyd, A. F. . . . 60, 150, 205
Boyd, John 186
Bradley, M. H. . . . 36. 208
Branch, John 200
Brice, John . . .8,61,73,184
Bristol, Cyrus B. . . .75,192
Brooks. A.sa 16,189
Brooks, Edward F. . . .194
Bronson, Asahel, D. D., 69,
154.203
Brownson, James L, D. D.,
• • II, 19. 35. 36, 149. 194
Brownsville Church, 127 — 130
Brown's Church 143
Buchanan, George D. . . 207
Burchinal, Wm. J 196
Buston, Rev. Mr 104
Cataba War-path .... 98
224
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Caldwell, James 197
Caldwell, A. J 201
Caldwell, Eben B 202
Caldwell, J. D 203
Caldwell, John 2
Calhoun, J. Y 68
Calhoun, J. Adley . . 56, 194
Callen, J. H 118, 197
Campbell, Dr. Hugh, 120,
211, 217
Campbell, Allen D. . . .189
Campbell, Benjamin . . .123
Campbell, James 191
Campbell, Joseph . . . .194
Campbell, Samuel . . . .141
Campbell. Samuel L. . . 200
Campbell, W. W 199
Candidates for Ministry, 83, 89
Canon, Col. John .... 12
Catechising 29
Centennials 21, 83
Chalfant, George .... 26
Chambers, Joseph H., 75, 193
Chartiers Church .... 4
Cheeseman, C. P., 60, 66,
.... 153, 154, 207, 210
Chestnut, T. M. . . *. . .132
Church, Presbyterian, Its In-
fluence 21
Churches Organized ... 20
Churches, Names of . . . 9
Churches, Old 21
Churches, New 20
Churches Transferred, 19.73,74
Churches Vacant . . . 9, 211
Clark, John . . . 6, 8, 61, 183
Clark, H. S 127
Coe, James 188
Cochran, James . . . 35, 130
Collier, Frank M. . . 208, 211
Colleges, Early 12
Collections 15
Cone, A 150, 203
Connellsville Church, 130 — 133
Court House 12
Contributions , , 14, 23, 179
Crumrine, J. T. .91, 157, 208
Cunningham, R. H. . . .201
Davis, George ^8
Davis, Henry 93, 96
Davis, James . . . • 75, 193
Davis, Thomas . . . . 16, 190
Dawson Church 172
Deffenbaugh, George L. . 206
De Witt, B. T., 55, 57, 209,210
Dickey, J. B., 57, 102, 141,
156, 204
Dodd, Cephas, M. D. . '. 73
Dodd, Thaddeus, 4, 6, 11,
• • 68, 73. 183
Doddridge 72
Donegal Church (Pleasant
Grove now) 19
Donehoo, E. R 132
Donehoo, Geo. P., 34, 209, 210
Downs, Caleb W 199
Duffield, George .... 2
Dunbar Church, 133, 167 — 171
Duncan, J. K. . . .120, 140
Duncan, C. C. B., 91, 93,
96, 144. 157.207
Dunham. George . . . .196
Dunlap, Matthew . . . .190
Dunlap, James, D. D., 6, 9,
26, 37, 41, 44, 53, 73,
99, 114, 183.
Dunlap's Creek Church, 3,
25, 29, 211
Early Colleges 12
Eaton, Wm. M 70
Eaton, Wm. . . 56, 104, 193
Eaton, S. J. M., D. D. . . 22
Edgar, Wm. . . . 93, 96, 203
Edie, W. A., 130, 132, 209, 210
Education 10, 15
Elliott, S. E., 163, 165, 209, 210
Emmons, A. W^, 29, 32, 209, 210
Espy, Hugh 121
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE,
22:;
Ewin^^, JohriT 191
Ewintj, Hon. Nathaniel, 121.
.... 125, 21 1, 217, 218
Ewing, Hon. Nathaniel, Jr., 218
Ewing, Hon. John K., 22,
114, 123, 218
Ewing, W. F 36, 204
Fairchance Church, loi,
154 — 156
Fairchild, Ashbel G., D. D.,
16, 87, 99, 1 10, 140, 154,
189, 211,212
Falling Exercises . . 9, 39, 73
Farmer, S. F., D. D., 58,60,
158, 209, 210
Fayette City Church, 157,
' 88, 210
Ferrier, Andrew, D. D., 1 17, 194
Fields, A. B. . . 129, 132, 202
Fife, N. H. G., 65, 132,200,219
Finley, Robert, . . .73, 192
Finley, James, 3, 25, 55, 58,
61, 86, 183
Finley. Robert M., 86, 93,
95, 184
Finley, Caleb W 197
Finley, Ebenezer . . , , 28
Finney, S. L. , , . 165, 207
First Settlers 2
Flannagan, J. H 198
Fleming, \Vm. A 196
Flenniken, John 75
Flenniken, James , , , , 75
Flenniken, R. P 75
Flenniken, Hannah ... 75
Forsythe, C. J, . 1 13, 209, 2IO
Frontis, Stephen . . . 92, 95
Fulton, Henry . . . 149, 202
Fulton, James P., 27, 48,
49. 137, 202
Fulton, Robert H. . . . 203
P'ulton, Wm. S 204
Gailey, R. R., 49, 91, 157, 204
Galbraith, James 187
Gaus, Joseph 196
Gault, W. F 53
George's Creek Church, 84 — 89
Gibbons, H. 0 202
Gill, \V. H 107
Gilland, Charles and Mary, 70
Gillespie, John, D. D. . . 22
Gillect, N. H., 20, 56, 59,
75. 192
Gilmore, John W, . . . .201
Gilson, S. S., 114, 119,204,217
Given, Andrew 186
Glade's Church, (called
Muddy Creek, now New
Providence) 72
Graham, James . . 16,92, 187
Graham, Richard .... 30
Graham, L. Y., D. D., 59,
93, 96, 161, 201
Greensburg Church ... 19
Greensboro Church, iio — 113
Grier, Smith F 194
Guthrie, James, 16,41, 44,
53- 75. 130, 187
Hale, Wm yy
Hamilton, Rev. W. B. and
Wife 179
Hamilton, W. F.. D. D., 22,
. •. , . .23, 118, 199, 213
Hanna, John 11
Hair, G. M., 59, 107, 154,
162, 202
Harper, Samuel 76
Harper, Joseph 191
Harshe, Wm. P 195
Hassinger, Peter . 93, 96, 196
Hawkins, John L. . . 132, 193
Hazlett, Samuel 197
Hench, J. C. . . 102, 155, 198
Henderson, Joseph, 9, 16, 186
Henry, Robert . . . 75, 191
Henshaw, James .... 49
Herries, A. J. ... 173, 207
Herron, Francis, D.D. 16.92, 188
226
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Herwick, R. A 2ii
Hill, George . . 7, 9, 16, 185
Hill, Samuel 105
Hough, A. A. . . 150, 201
Howell, John G 195
Hughes, James . . 7, 8, ii, 73
Hughes, Watson, 20, 30,
146, 191
Hughes, James R., 20, 59,
146, 184, 196
Hughes, Thomas E. . . . 8
Hughes, Thomas .... 69
Humbert, Jacob 211
Hunt, Thomas . .16, 92, 188
Hunter, Joseph L., 22, 54,
172, 209, 210
Hunter, A. S. . . 129, 209, 210
Indian Creek Church . 55, 133
Indians 5-55-72
Jacob, Prosper H. . . 105, 196
Jacob's Creek 55
Jeffers, W. H., D. D.. L.L. '
D 22
Jefferson Church . . . 68 — 70
Jenkins, John M. . .165, 208
Jenner Church, 19, 94 — 97, 21 1
Jennings, Jacob, M. D., 7,
9.26, 73, 90, 185
Johnston, Alexander . . '. 130
Johnston, Geo. N. . . 109, 207
Johnston, John W. . . .192
Johnston, Wm., 16, 26, 90,
128, 188
Johnston, Robert, 16, 56, 59, 189
Junkin,D. X., D. D. . . . 4
Kaine, Mrs. E. J 180
Kean, Wm. F 204
Kennedy, David 198
Kerr, B. M., 89, 91, 127,
129, 209, 210
Kibler, Joseph 120
Kinkaid, M. S. C 201
Kirkpatrick, John H. . . . 190
.Kuhn, Wm. C 93, 201
Laird, Francis ... 8, 16, 186
Laurel Hill Church . . -^j — 52
Ledwith, Wm. L 205
Lee, Robert . . . . 8, 16, 188
Leisenring Church . 173 — 174
Lewis, E. P 129, 202
Lewis, Reuben 199
Lewis, Thomas 120
Linn, Alonzo 197
Little, John W. . . . 6(), 204
Little Redstone . . 26, 89 — 91
Log College 16
Logan, S. C 107
Long Run Church . . 60 — 70
Loomis, Aretus . . . 16, 189
Loring, Miss Sophia . 174, 177
Lowes, A. B 162, 205
Lowrie, Lewis A. . '. . .196
Lutz, John S 200
Lyon, Nathaniel B. . . . 196
McBride, Samuel . . 108, 206
McCandlass, Alex., 62, 66,
104, 190
McCarrell, J. J., 103, 109,
208, 210
McClane, W. W. . . 129, 205
McCleary, Wm 124
McClellandtown Church
134—139
McClintock, John, 68, 70,
. . . 71, 79, 112, 194, 210
McClintock, John C. . . . 200
McDougall, James . . . . 192
McFarren, Samuel .... 191
McGarraugh, Robert. . .187
McGaughey, A. . . .65, 198
McGogney, A. Z. . . 132, 208
McGogney, Mrs. A. Z. . .181
McGrady, James . . . .184
McKaig, C. v., D. D. . . 23
McKallip, J. H 108
McKee, C. L. V 211
McKee, J. B. . . 30, 112, 194
McKeesport Church, 103 — i lO
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
227
McLane, James 187
McLain, VV. W., 140, 142,
H9. 193
McMaster, H. H. 25, 27, 29, 208
McMichael, Wm. . . .22, 75
McMillan, John, D. D., 4,
. . 6, 8, II, 14, 15, 61. 72
McMillan, John. D. D., 20,
. 35, 36, 150, 158. 163, 203
McMillan, Mrs. John . .175
Mahan, Samuel 185
Marquis, Thomas . . . .185
Marquis, R. R 171
Marshall, Robert . . . Ji, 184
Martin, James . . . .57, 199
Martin, Thomas, 90, 128,
........ 156, 193
Martin, Charles 194
Martin, John W. . .156, 204
Mateer, Joseph 197
Mearns, John A. . . . 64, 197
Meloy, John C, 91, 144,
147, 205, 210
Mercer, Boyd. 74, 103, 127, 185
Mercer, Simon B 123
MilhoUand, A. S., D. D.,
. . 1 14, 129, 141, 207, 210
Miller, O. H 146, 201
Milligan, Wm. V., D. D. . 22
Ministers, Early .... 3
Missionary, Early .... 2
Montgomery, Samuel, 35,
149. 193
Moore, Thomas 185
Moore, Wm. D., 63, 65,66, 195
Moore, Wm. P., 23, 66, 1 32, 206
Moore, James R 198
Moore, Robert B 199
Moorehead, Wm 186
Moorhead, W. W., D. D., . 23
Morledge, H. C, 173, 174,
209, 210
Mt. Pleasant Church, 4, 19,
• • . • 34—37
Mt. Pleasant Reunion Ch.
163 — 166
Mt. Vernon Church. 153 — 154
Mt. Washington Church.
141 — 144. 21 1
Muddy Creek Church . 71, 72
Myers. B. F. . . . 93. 96, 200
Neel. John J 196
Nesbit, Charles. D. D. . . 42
Nevin, Wm. G., 27. 31. 60,
129, 158, 206
New and Old School, 19,
35.81
New Providence Church,
68, 71—84
New Salem 28
Niccolls, Samuel J., D. D., 199
Oliphant. F. H 155
Owen, Griffith . . .119, 196
Owens, John D. . . . 32, 208
Parke, Thomas S., 53, 172, 203
Parker, John 25
Parsonages 32, 51
Patterson, Joseph, 7, 8, 73, 184
Patterson, Robert . . 16, 188
Patterson, A. O., D. D., 16,
20, 30, 34, 144, 146, 148, 190
Patterson. J. G 200
PauU, George, 200, 211,
215. 219
Paull, Joseph . . 167, 211, 219
Pentzer, Jacob 193
Perkins, Wm 102
Personal Sketches . . . .211
Pigeon Creek Church . . 4
Pitt Township Church . . 103
Pleasant Unity Church. 19,
148 — 152
Plumer, Hon. George . . 145
Plumer, George 193
Plumer, Alexander . . .145
Plumer, John C 145
Plumer, Miss Ruth P3., now
Mrs. J. K. Andrews . .182
228
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Plumer, John S 203
Porter, Samuel . . 16, 184, 188
Porter, Samuel, Jr. . .188
Porter, Rev. Mr. . . . 35, 147
Porter, George 134
Potter, G. M 169
Power, James, D. D., 3, 16,
25,29,34,39,72,84,114, 183
Power, Francis H 198
Price, R. T 169, 205
Presbytery of Blairsville . 19
Presbytery of Donegal . , 3
Presbytery of Erie ... 8
Presbytery of New Castle, 3
Presbytery of New York . 5
Presbytery of Ohio . .6,8, y^i
Presbytery of Washington, 5
Presbytery of West Virginia, 20
Presbytery of Redstone —
Boundaries . . . 18, 19, 73
Centennial 21
Early Settlements ... i
First Records 6
First Meetings .... 6
Members 9, 20
Organization . . . . i, 5
Name i
Pioneer Education ... 10
Presbyteries now in for-
mer bounds .... 23
Professorship of Elocution, 23
Professorship of Elocution,
Committee to Superin-
tend 23
Quillen, Ezekiel 193
Ralston, W. W., D. D., 1 19, 202
Ralston, Samuel . . . .186
Rea, John, Sr yy
Redick, William 142
Redstone, Centennial of. 21
Redstone, Members of . . 20
Redstone, Organi;>ation of, 5
Redstone, Centennial Schol-
arship 23
Redstone in Organization of
Three Synods .... 8
Redstone, Origin of Name, i
Redstone Thank Offerings, 23
Reed, Wm 195
Reed, John 16, 189
Reed, John B 23, 210
Rehoboth Church . 3, 58 — 60
Revivals, 9, 10, 16, 30, 39,
53. 58. 73. 83, 100, 103,
106, 138, 169
Riggs, Cyrus, D. D. . 31, 197
Robinson, Col. James . .155
Robinson, E. S. . . .159, 208
Robinson, Wm. M. ... 22
Rogers, D. B., 102, 113,
156, 171. 203
Rosborough, H. O., 20, 84,
88, 113, 140, 141, 144,
198, 210, 212
Ross, John .... 92,95, 189
Round Hill Church, 3, 55 — 57
Ruble, Jacob. 32, 141, 205, 210
Ruble, Wm. Rhodes . . . 207
Russell, Watson 109
Ryland, H. H 211
Sample, J. Logan . . .57, 201
Schools II
Scott, George K. . . .31, 204
Scott, John W., D. D., 69,
205, 210
Scott, George . . . .91, 202
Scott, Harr}^ 0 207
Scott, Winfield C 206
Scottdale Church . . 158 — 160
Scovel, S. F., D. D. . . . 22
Sewickley Church . 4, 29, 34
Shanks, J, D. . .59, 154, 207
Shaw, Mrs. Mary . . . .179
Shearer, F. A., D. D., 64, 197
Shepherd, George C. . . . 200
Sherrard, D. A. C 45
Skiles, Samuel P 195
Sloan, Wm. N. . . . . . 204
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
229
Smith, David, 56, 58, 87, 98,
185
Smith, Joseph, D. D. . 57, 197
Smith, John M. . .75, 79, 192
Smith, Robert F., 148, 151,
209, 210
Smith, Jesse 190
Smith, Wm. C 195
Smith, Joseph . . . . 5, 183
Smythe, Anson, D. D. . . 22
Somerset Church, 19, 91 —
94, 211
South Fork of Ten Mile . 68
Sparks, Samue! . . . 35, 150
Speer, WilHam .... 16, 187
Speer, L. M 161
Speer, Thomas P 198
Spring Hill Furnace Ch 140,21 1
Statistical Reports, 17, 18,
23, 166, 179
Steele, Robert 9- 187
Stockton, Joseph . . 8, 16, 188
Stoneroad, Joel 20, 37, 43,
47, 53, 112, 116, 144, 192,
211,213
Stoneroad Chapel .... 50
Stevenson, Ross, D. D. 132, 195
Stevenson, J. H. 31, 53, 90,
.... 128, 159, 172, 201
Stevenson, Daniel .... 78
Stewart, Robert C . . . .198
Stewart, W. G. .171, 209. 2 1 o
Stratton, Wm. 0 22
Swan, Wm. 16, 30, 61, 66, 185
Swan, Samuel 190
Swan, Charles 78
Swift, E. P., D. D. . . 16, 189
Synod of —
N. Y. and New Jersey . 6
N. Y. and Philadelphia 2, 5, 6
Pittsburgh . 8, 13, 21, 22, 74
Philadelphia 6
The Carolinas 6
Virginia . . . . 6, 8, 13, 14
Tate, Samuel 8
Taylor, Z. B. . . 159, 209, 210
Temperance 81, 77
Tent Church .... 97 — 103
Terry, S. Howell . 92, 95, 192
Thank Offerings . . . 23, 182
Thanksgiving Sermon, ist, 2
Thompson, Hon. J. M., 123,
211, 220
Torrence, Adam . . . 22, 191
Torrence, Joseph .... 45
Trunkey, Hon. John ... 22
Turbitt, John 293
Tyrone Church . . . 52 — 55
Uniontown Church . 114 — 127
Vance, James no
Van Eman, George, 16, 74,
134, 191
Veech, Hon. James . . 71, 76
Veech, David .... ']6, 123
Wakefield, C. B. 93, 96, 141,
144, 156, 206
Wallace, J. B 211
Wallace, R. M. . . 90, 128, 197
Washington College ... 12
Watt, Thomas W 167
West, Nathanael, Sr. . 105, 197
West, Nathanael, Jr. . . .105
Western M. Society ... 13
Western Theological Sem . 23
West Newton Ch.31, 144 — 148
Welty, F. B 200
Wheeler, . . . .133
White. N. G. 53, 133, 172,
208, 210
White, Robert . . .150, 206
White Rock 133
Wick, William 8
Wightman, J. W., D. D. 107,204
Williams, Moses Allen 117, 196
Williams Daniel . . , 146, 198
Wilson, Alex. C 205
Wilson, Robert F . . 106, 199
Wilson, James 192
230
PRESBYTERY OF REDSTONE.
Wilson, Joseph R . . . . 202
Wilson, S. J., D. D., L.L. D 22
Wilson. Samuel, D. D., 20,
. 26, 88, 134, 135, 194, 215
Wishart, Marcus . . .59, 205
Woman's Missionary Socie-
ties, 52, 70, 82, 107, 108,
133, 152, 164, 174—179,
180—182
Woman's F. M. Society,
108, 174 — 179
Woman's F, M. Society,
Officers of. . . . 176 — 178
Woman's H. M. Society,
Officers of . . 180, i8i, 182
Woodend, Wm. W. . . .195
Woods, Wm 186
Wright, John 186
Wright, W. S 107
Wylie,W. T.,D. D., 16, 56,
58.99. 114, 187
Wylie, Mrs. W. T 116
Wycoff, Rev. Mr. . . 102, 155
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